THE MOST IMPORTANT NEED OF THE BEREAVED
Often, the bereaved need to be listened to and have feelings accepted and validated, and to make the journey through grief process at their own pace. It is not uncommon for well-meaning people, loved ones and strangers alike, to encourage the bereaved to be strong and to deny their pain by having an attitude of gratitude, or to believe that “moving on” can happen within days or weeks of the loss of a loved one. It has been said that this culture is uncomfortable with issues surrounding death. This may be because many are reluctant to accept the limitations that reality places on the ability to control one’s lives. For the bereaved, finding a person who will walk with them through grief and who can accept all the often-conflicting feelings without passing judgment is a priceless treasure. As a volunteer, the role is not to fix the grief, it is the privilege of being a companion, a facilitator, and a mirror of the healing process.
