"In death and in grief, we do not need as much protection from painful experiences as we need the boldness to face them. We do not need as much tranquilization from pain as we need the strength to conquer it. If we choose to love, we must also have the courage to grieve."
~Roy and Jane Nicoles~

How does death take it's rightful place in your life? At the core, grief is really a form of praise. Grief carries with it the seeds of strength and hope, but if grief goes unrecognized, those seeds never grow. We are fearful of grief and reluctant to find our own ways of dealing with the pain, let alone sharing it with others. When one experiences loss, all things begin to feel unreal. There is a period of disbelief and denial, which then leads to anger and pain. When we lose someone (family, friend, or colleague) or even something (a job or relationship) we need ways to mark and express the loss. Only after there are expressed can true healing begin.
We tend to be fearful of people in mourning, not always knowing what to say or do, It is a gift to make space where people have permission to mourn. Ask people what they need, what they remember, and what stories they'd' like to share.