Surviving Grief

  Overwhelmed by Cardboard and Memories July 22 Blog Post – Surviving Grief with Dyan Packing up my life is more complicated than I thought it would be.  It's only been two years since I left Montana, but in many ways, it feels like a lifetime ago—and yet somehow, like yesterday. This week, I found myself back in the basement, opening boxes that had remained untouched since the day we moved. We were in a hurry back then, trying to hold everything together. So the packing was rushed, quick, just "get it done." And now here I am, face to face with the forgotten. 📦 Opening the Boxes of the Past Inside one box were photographs I hadn't seen in years. In another, a bundle of cards I had sent to my parents—some handwritten, filled with love and daily news I thought they'd want to hear. I found souvenirs from their trip to Hawaii three decades ago. A little yellowed, a bit bent, but full of memories of a simpler time, when they were alive and smiling under the sun. ...

  The Gift of Quiet Tears: Why We Need Others to Help Us Grieve Introduction There’s a deep and holy truth in today’s reflection that reminds me how important it is to have someone by our side—not to fix us, but to be with us. The quote by Robert Frost strikes home: Too proud to be beholden for relief, Are absolutely sure to come to grief.” We Were Never Meant to Grieve Alon e We weren’t made to journey through loss alone. And yet, how many of us try? Whether from pride, fear of being a burden, or simply believing no one can understand, we isolate ourselves. But grief, by its very nature, demands companionship—not to replace the one we lost, but to offer a soft place to land while we endure the sorrow. A Story That Says It All There’s a story of a little girl who came home late. Her mother asked where she’d been. “Helping Jane,” she said. “Her doll broke.” The mother asked, “Did you help her fix it?” The girl answered, “No, I helped her cry.” That kind of simple wisdom alway...

  "I Keep Wanting to Tell Them…" 💭 The Moments That Still Belong to Them There are still moments—quiet, unremarkable moments—when I catch myself reaching for my phone or turning my head to speak. It might be something funny I saw. Something beautiful. Something frustrating. Something sacred. And without fail, my first thought is, "I need to tell Mark." Then the ache comes. Healing is not a straight line. It is a circle that returns us, again and again, to the person we miss the most. Even after weeks, months, or years, I find myself longing to share the day's joys and burdens with my lost loved ones. And it does not feel strange. It feels like muscle memory. Because Mark was not just my husband—he was my person. My sounding board. My safe place. My Mom was the person I went to for everything. We spoke on the phone at least three times a day when we didn't live together. When we lived together, there might have been times when we were together too...

  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 Unit...

🛡️ Graceful Boundaries: When Men Approach  Too Soon After Loss 🌿 A Sacred Stillness After Loss There is a sacred stillness that settles over a woman’s heart after loss. When you bury the man you once called home, time doesn’t just stop—it reshapes . In that quiet, tender place, the last thing I expected was unsolicited attention from men online. 📩 When Comfort Turns to Intrusion Many women have shared the same experience with me— A “thinking of you” message. A comment wrapped in false compassion. A gesture that feels more like a  romantic pursuit than true comfort. Let’s be clear: Grief is not an invitation. For some women, companionship may come quickly—and that’s their story. But for me, the ink is still wet with tears . My soul is not seeking romance. My heart is not available—and that needs no apology. ✨ How to Respond with Grace and Strength 🕊️ 1. Honor Your Grief If you feel violated, shocked, or upset—it’s okay. Grief is holy ground , and you are right t...