"A mourning moment" by bob willis

Grief Journey

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a beautiful 444 mile drive through 3 states, MS, ALA, and TN. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace", a historical travel corridor used by American Indians, European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents.
You can walk in their footsteps...in a trail created by those who have gone before us. There is a special feeling to realize others have walked the path before us.
...
It is very similar in the grief journey. Our loss, our grief journey, is unique to us. 

​Often the emotions of grief are very strange to us, even alarming. There may be a sense of losing control because we are not familiar with the feelings. This can be new ground for us, a different journey.
Learn to trust others who have walked a similar journey ahead of you. Consider them to be the "pioneers" of grief, someone who has already walked this trail you are on.
Of course, no one has the same relationship and no one has the very same grief responses. But there are some typical responses that are common with loss. It can help when the words of someone who has "walked the walk" brings comfort and direction.
There may be a time in your grief journey when you realize others could benefit from your experience. Be a good listener to others, allow them to share memories with you. By doing so, you will watch them walk the trail you had to endure also. You can be their guide.
Bob Willis, author
"A Guide for Grievers"
"JESUS: The CRUCIFIED CAREGIVER"