Glad it took so long.

There has been a post that I have wanted to write for years.  Yet for some reason I didn't.

But in the back of my mind it was always there.  I would think about what words I would use, where it would lead, but still, I never sat down to actually type those words out.

I am so very glad that I didn't.  I am glad that I waited.  I am grateful that Jeannett asked me to wrap up her beautiful Infant Loss and Miscarriage series.  Because of that opportunity, I was able write a similar, yet wholly different post.  A post that I could not have written without the stories, experiences and hearts that were shared with me this week.

My original idea was to write a manifesto of sorts, of what NOT to say to someone walking the dark journey of grief.

Sadly, a post like that would be very easy to write.  What it would not be is helpful.  It would not be equipping.  Instead it would be sad.  Guilt inducing.  Because all of us have uttered words that we wish we could take back, as well meaning as our original intentions might have been.

Instead my heart changed along the way.  I grew up.  The goal became more about sharing simple, tangible, practical steps that we all could do when comforting those faced with tragedy.

I read and re-read each comment.  My heart broke from your pain.  I learned so much from each word.  Realized that there are many areas that I could do better in.
Although I hate to put into practice what I culled from your advice, I know that a time will come when I need to.

For that I am very thankful.

A great quote that was shared stated simply this:
"I will have sympathy as long as you have grief."


Visit Life Rearranged to learn simple ways to help a grieving friend.