This tool helps someone suffering the pain of loss to understand better what a person should be doing in their grief. The tasks of grieving are not to be seen as a checklist to complete and the grief ends. It is more a suggestion of the focus of accepting what is, and choosing to move forward. This information originated with Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

There are few more powerful losses one can experience than losing a loved one to suicide. If this has been your experience, this tool can help you begin to understand the intense emotions this loss can cause. More than likely, you will need help with this loss, especially if there are other circumstances such as previous attempts, mental illness, multiple losses, and of course, your relationship with the person you lost. Please do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

Grief has a way of ambushing you, and sneaking up behind you when you least expect it. If you are new in your grief process, this tool will help you with some of the feelings, thoughts and decisions you might encounter.

For some, emotions are scary and difficult to describe. This tool helps normalize feelings a person experiencing grief might encounter. The list is not comprehensive but addresses common emotions and feelings.

As a culture Americans do not do a very good job of knowing what to do when a friend or co-worker is suffering the pain of grief and loss. This tool helps a person grieving explain to people what is helpful and what is not.

It is often difficult for the family and friends of a person who has experienced the loss of a loved one to understand why the grieving process lasts so long.  They want to see us happy again and “getting on with life.”  It is therefore important to be aware of the many kinds and levels of loss that can accompany the death of a loved one. 

Grieving people fear that their grief will last forever, and they might never feel normal again. There are certainly days when a person may believe their grief will never end. This is common, but is not true. With faith, work and time, healing will come. This tool provides some indications when grief is less intense and feelings of normalcy begin to return.

For people of faith, your beliefs can be a support through a very confusing time. For those who have confidence in the Bible and the promises of hope, this tool can be very effective.