The holidays are hard on the grieving. Gatherings surrounded by intact families, seem to taunt the bereaved with all that’s been lost—all that’s painfully absent in their own lives. Following Thanksgiving and Christmas comes the new year and all the expectation for a fresh start. Rarely do the bereaved feel this way.
The cold, dark months that follow often reflect the hearts of grieving families. Life comes to a screeching halt and also has a weird way of speeding past following the death of a loved one. It feels like you are standing still while the rest of the world rushes by. It doesn’t just “feel” this way; it happens. I remember the first time I really got out and around town following our accident. I was shocked to find a Cracker Barrel, a Chipolte’s and a new Walmart Convenience Store and Gas Station had been built. Life moved forward. I had not.
This blog post by Michele Cushatt, will help those who love the bereaved to minister to the hurting in 2017.
A teaser and a link to the full article can be found below. I hope you will take the time to follow the link and read the article.
“New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a celebration. A butt-kicking “goodbye” to the old year and raucous “hello” to the new one. After the year our family had, we were ready for both. So I prepared the food, pulled out the games and puzzles, and chilled sparkling cider to the delight of my children. By dinner, …”
Source: How To Bring Relief To Those Who Grieve | Michele Cushatt
Boxx Banter 
Nancy
December 28, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Yes. But those we need to read these articles, are not the ones who will read it. Those who already do are not the ones who need this. I really wish there were more people willing to admit that they don’t know how and that they want to demonstrate their caring by learning how.
Hugs for you Janet. This is the nightmare month for you. Crying with you. Sending hugs and prayers.
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Janet Boxx
December 28, 2016 at 3:27 pm
The best we can do is share it with others. Every enlightened reader is a victory! Maybe if you share it when someone you know wants to comfort someone they care about. We care when it becomes personal.
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Nancy
December 28, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Agreed, hopefully.
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victoriawhyte
December 29, 2016 at 2:40 pm
Thanks for sharing, I read it at the time but it’s good to read it at the time – Michele Cushatt is such a blessing 💟
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victoriawhyte
December 29, 2016 at 2:42 pm
I meant *it’s good to read it again!
Sorry, I got a bit distracted while typing!
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