Grief Recovery Series By Patricia D. Freudenberg
It happened just the other day. Everything was going fine—a celebration, a joyful gathering, and no sign of grief in sight. Until—oops, there it is.
Someone I hadn’t seen in a long time—an acquaintance, really—approached me with warmth and enthusiasm. We shared a mutual friend, but she didn’t know me well. And with a big smile, she asked, “How’s your mom?”
Just like that, it hit. My mom passed away just a little over a year ago.
Her intentions were beautiful. She meant no harm. In fact, her tone was filled with excitement and kindness. But the look on my face must have told the story. She immediately felt awful, and I could feel the air shift. I reassured her—how could she have known?
This moment, this “oops”—is the kind that can happen to any of us, whether we’re the one asking the question or the one receiving it.
It’s an important reminder:
☆ Grief is never really gone. It just waits quietly and sometimes pops up when you least expect it. ☆ Give grace. To others and to yourself.☆ Be mindful, but not fearful. These things happen, and they’re part of life.
This interaction reminded me again of the mission I hold close—teaching recovery. Not because grief disappears, but because we can learn to recover when it revisits. Especially in the early stages, like the first year, it’s fragile. But healing does not mean forgetting. It means moving forward with awareness and compassion.
Whether you’re the one who “put your foot in your mouth” or the one who was unexpectedly struck with emotion, remember: You don’t have to stay in that place. You can choose to carry on.
Take a breath. Take a beat. And take it easy. That’s today’s message: Offer mercy. Extend grace. Keep going.
Prompt for Reflection:
Have you ever had a moment when your heart was caught off guard—by a question, a scent, or a memory—and you suddenly remembered your grief was still there? What did you do next?
Book Recommendation:
If this reflection resonates with you, I invite you to read my book, Live Your Legacy: A New Spin on Mourning This heartfelt guide introduces “Legacy” as the seventh stage of grief—offering a transformative path beyond pain, rooted in remembrance, intention, and healing.
Available now on Amazon
All rights reserved. © 2025 Patricia D. Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach, Author of Live Your Legacy | CEO of Miss-U-Gram , LLC | Miss-U-Gram.com
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