Grieving Hearts Need Gentle Places

By Dyan Bertha Fiorentino

Grief Does not Stop the World — But It Changes Ours

When we are grieving, the world does not stop — but it often feels like it should. As I sat down to film this video, I was thinking about the countless hearts carrying silent burdens. Those who have lost a spouse, a parent, a child… or even the version of life they thought they would have. I know that kind of ache. It is not just emotional — it is spiritual, physical, and daily.

 In June 2025, I lost my husband, Mark — my anchor, and my home. And in the years before, I lost my mother, Jackie, and others dear to me. Each loss brought its own storm, and each storm forced me to grow deeper roots in my faith.

 But grief does not come with a roadmap. Every day brings different challenges, some easy to navigate alone, and some too hard to even consider. Since Mark left, I have thought about the dreams we will never fulfill. We wanted to travel around the United States and see the old history of our country. I wanted us to visit Ireland and Scotland, while Mark always wanted us to go to Australia. I hope to travel to some of those places someday. While he will not be with me physically, I know he will be there in spirit.

From Loss to Purpose — Why I Created This Space

That is why I created Surviving Grief with Dyan — a space where grieving hearts can rest, reflect, and reconnect with hope. Through this website, I offer tools such as my 7-Day and 365-Day Surviving Grief Journals, daily blog reflections, Healing After Loss grief series videos, and gentle encouragement rooted in God's promises.

 From the Valley to a New Beginning — Asking for Help

I recently shared a video about how this all came to be. Truthfully, it started with a simple conversation with my landlord, of all people. He saw what I was carrying and encouraged me to open my hands and ask for help. And so, I did. I created a GoFundMe to give Bryce and me a fresh start, not one built on pity, but on community and shared hope. Our landlord has been wonderful to us. While Mark went through his brain and liver radiation, he was unable to work. I was trying to get my social creator business making money. Our landlord was good about our missing rent. Unfortunately, without Mark's Social Security and work income, we can not afford this house we love.

We would like to pay our back rent and have the money to move into another place.

We do not need luxury. We need stability. A safe place to land. And your prayers, your shares, and your support make that possible.

 

If you have lost someone and find yourself wondering, "Where do I go from here?" — I want to tell you something: You do not have to do this alone. Whether you are reading this at 3 a.m. or sitting quietly on your porch at sunset, I have walked the same valley. And I am here, walking it with you.

Please visit: survivinggriefwithdyan.com
Support our journey: GoFundMe

💛 From one grieving heart to another — may we find rest, may we find healing, and may we never forget: God goes before us. If no one has told you today, your grief matters. Your story matters. And the God who weeps with us is still writing beauty from the brokenness.

Love always, 

Dyan

💜 Dyan's Grief Support Resources
🎥 [Watch my daily grief reflections on Flip]
📚 Explore my grief tools and comfort books
📖 Read my memoir Divine Light: A Memoir of Faith and Hope

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