Observing Grief

Having written about the aftermath of my mother's death in the previous post, I thought I'd say a thing or two about grief.

There is no handbook on how to grieve for your loss or grieve with those who grieve, but I think the following quote says it all. Joe Bayly in his book, The Last Thing We Talk About, penned these poignant words after one of his children died.

I was sitting, torn by grief. Someone came and talked to me of God's dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the grave. He talked contantly. He said things I knew were true.

I was unmoved, except to wish he's go away. He finally did.

Another came and sat beside me. He didn't talk. He didn't ask me leading questions. He just sat beside me for an hour and more, listened when I said something, answered briefly, prayed simply, left.

I was moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go.

Brian echoes much of the same thought as he reflects on the funeral he presided over in this beautiful post.