Introduction to Grief
Today 300 people will die in Australia. Those deaths will touch about 6000 people personally. Tomorrow another 300 will die and another 6000 will be personally affected. On average once every 12 years of your life you will be touched by death.
Death may come upon one close to us suddenly or after long expectation. It may be accidental, a tragedy that becomes reported in the newspaper, or it may be a blessing that brings relief to many people. This death that will affect you, may be traumatic, affecting your whole life style from the moment of death on. It may change your status within the community and your outlook on life. Few of us remain the same after death has come to one near to us.
Generally, we feel shocked. We deny that death has taken place. We feel insecure and empty. It seems that almost everything has been lost. Suddenly we are aware that our community about us is responding with help. Neighbours appear and disappear quietly with plates of food. Long forgotten friends may come and awkwardly avoid talking about death or the one who has died. People who once laughed with you now suddenly stop your reminiscing. Others sit you in a chair and take over all the household chores. For one terrible period life goes on about you, out of your control, and for some time it seems as if life has just passed you by. Something in you died too.
Many people try to cover up this collapse of total security with a stoic attitude that hides their fears beneath a teak veneer as false as a cheap bedroom suite.
What should we do in time of death?
