| Why keep a journal when dealing with Grief? |
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ARTICLE SUMMARY Trapped below the water in the current at the bottom of Bentley falls, my life flashed before my eyes. As if a slideshow of many events in my life was played in fast speed, I saw with clarity key and casual moments. Fighting the water I tried to push to the surface – once, twice, and then back down for one last try. Briefly I felt intense grief - why was I not able to break though to come to the surface? Knowing this was my last chance before I died, I put my hand above my head and swam up – only to touch the bottom of the raft, trapped with me in the same current. Working past the bottom I hooked my arm over the side, pulled myself up, and fell into the bottom of the empty raft. Later back home I realized the flashes of those times in my life were like a journal which told my life story, and I am grateful to God for the chance to continue writing it. Why journal?
Allow your loved one facing grief to express how he or she was changed at these times. Ask them what the effects of these changes were. This sharing of past experiences can build strong bonds for you and your loved, and create meaningful time as you and your loved one grieve together. Why keep a journal when dealing with Grief? FULL ARTICLE Trapped below the water in the current at the bottom of Bentley falls, my life flashed before my eyes. As if a slideshow of many events in my life was played in fast speed, I saw with clarity key and casual moments. Fighting the water I tried to push to the surface – once, twice, and then back down for one last try. Briefly I felt intense grief - why was I not able to break though to come to the surface? Knowing this was my last chance I put my hand above my head and swam up – only to touch the bottom of the raft, trapped with me in the same current. Working past the bottom I hooked my arm over the side, pulled myself up, and fell into the bottom of the empty raft. Later back home I realized the flashes of those times in my life were like a journal which told my life story, and I am grateful to God for the chance to continue writing it. For those facing a life limiting illness, most want to tell their stories. Life review is a natural process. It allows those who are dying to see where they are going, because they remember where they came from. Looking back is like keeping a scrap book or photo album. Review of fun times, sad times, and family times can help bring clarity to your loved ones present time, to help them deal with their grief. A journal can be as simple as writing on paper, or may involve digital recording video. Help your loved one to decide which media is best for them to work with. One way to get started is to look at major events in life. There could include births of family members, weddings, career changes, family moving, faith decisions, times of loss, times of joy. Minor events, such as special trips, chance meetings and conversations also can be used to journal. Allow your loved one facing grief to express how he or she was changed at these times. Ask them what the effects of these changes were. Discover what choices were made and what the consequences of those choices were. This sharing of past experiences can build strong bonds for you and your loved, and create meaningful time as you and your loved one grieve together. |