"A Mourning Moment" by Bob Willis

Your Grief Journey

Draft

Garmeada is a coal mining community in Southeast KY. Abandoned buildings, empty foundations, and dead end roads are signs of a once thriving community.
I was pastor of a little Baptist church there for a couple of years. I can describe the characters I met there, the beautiful souls, saints and sinners, and each one influenced my life. I can tell you about it because I was there...I lived it!
​Grief can be similar. 

​I have never experienced the intense heartache of losing a child. But many of you have. You have been there. You can tell me about the nightmare, the emotions, the pain...because it has been your journey. You are living in it!! For those of us who have never traveled that road, we cannot say we know how you feel. It is impossible for us to know just how you feel.
Our personal grief journey is like a trip that changes us. I can tell you about Garmeada, or Flat Lick, or Harlan...because I have personally been there. You are in a place of grief I have never been. I would love to sit with you, look you in the eye, and say "Tell me about it...How has this journey changed you?"
Never hesitate to tell your grief journey. Your words and experience help others in their journey. Put words to your feelings. You have a story to tell that might help others. Maybe not now, it may be too fresh and emotional...but someday. Write it down. Because
you were there...you lived it!!
Bob Willis, author
"A Guide for Grievers"