Understanding Grief

Author, educator and grief counselor Dr. Allen Wolfelt is known across the country for his compassionate teaching about healing and experiencing reconciliation in bereavement grief.

His personal, as well as professional experience in the dynamics of grief are trustworthy and simply understood by millions of individuals who have walked the journey of grief. It is with much confidence and respect that we provide Dr. Wolfelt's teachings to you and in doing so, encourage hope as you seek your personal path of grief.

You are not alone in grief. It is impossible to lose the life and a meaningful relationship without the consequences of what often becomes tremendous emotional pain and confusion. As in all circumstance of death, loss and grief…..there is an unveiling story that will always surface. Our intention with providing compassionate information is to, in part, encourage you in the midst of your pain to share your death story over and over again. The personal stories of grief as we have walked through funeral services with families have revealed that grief is indeed heart-based and certainly not mind-based.  "For there are pains that cannot be contained in the mind, only in the heart!”(Steven Levine).

Healing is experienced in telling your story. Within the telling of your story is the foundation of hope. Where there is hope, there is new life.

Rarely is anyone prepared for grief. The overwhelming feelings of helplessness, raging thoughts, anxiety, disbelief and heartache can take us by surprise. The force of grief following the death of a loved one can be mighty, and depending on the unique circumstance of our relationship, the course of grief we encounter may very well dictate our behavior and decisions for weeks, months or even years following the death of our loved one.

Grief is a very natural response to loss. The reality of a grieving soul is an emotionally painful journey, and although its unwelcome presence in our life can stifle our joy or paralyze our relationships, grief serves tremendous purpose. It is possible to grief with intention with the support and encouragement of friends and family.

With empathy and in service to our community families, we covenant with you to acknowledge the grip of grief in your life….to remind you that in grief you are never alone….and to provide what we believe to be helpful and encouraging information as you walk your journey of grief.

Reconciliation is possible, even in the midst of the most brutal season of grief. Although there is not one specific path, stage or step to frame and guide our way in the wilderness of grief, we do offer words of hope. Please walk one day at a time….let Grace be sufficient….lean into the comfort of friends….and know in your heart that reconciliation is on the horizon. It is there grief will meet long awaited acceptance. It is there we realize that our loved one lives on in our memory. In the power of reconciliation, we realize we have complete confidence our life is forever changed. …and we would have it no other way.