Wanda’s Journal

Moving Forward

In my novel, The Healing Jar, Mary Ruth became a widow. At first she felt lost and like her life had no meaning. Having members of her family around helped to fill her lonely days, but she still grieved the loss of her husband. She took comfort, however, in knowing that her beloved husband was with the Lord and no longer suffering.

What can be done for a person who has suffered such bereavement? If you have lost someone close to you, what helped the most as you moved forward?

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117 Comments

  1. I just lost my dad and it helps me to keep remembering all the good times and memories we shared. Talking with my husband and daughters has helped.

    1. Having faith in our Heavenly Father and knowing that our loved one is no longer suffering but in a better place brings some peace and comfort.

  2. When I have lost someone close to me I like looking back at pictures and remembering the good times I had with them. It also comforts me knowing I will see them again in Heaven if they were saved.

  3. Losing someone you love is hard. Especially, if it was a parent or sibling. The holidays are always the worst time. It’s nice to be able to talk to others about the deceased person, share memories and look at pictures.

  4. When my two aunts passed away of cancer two years from each other I felt like my heart was torn in pieces. It was a great devastation to our family. We held strong in that we know they are with our creator and Lord Jesus. No more suffering and we will see both of them again. We keep holding to that promise and to the memories that we have of them. Every year it hurts a little less. And we just keep our Faith in that one day we will rejoice with them in heaven with God.

    When my friend passed away from cancer her family also held to the promise that they will see her in heaven one day. Their family grew closer together and got much closer to God.

    In both situations, I believe that we all moved forward because of the promise we know we have from God and the memories we hold dear of our loved ones in our hearts.

  5. I like to remember the time we spent together by looking at pictures, and prayer helps a lot too.

  6. I lost my mother in 2017 and was so grateful to have my sister nearby. In 2020 just before the covid shut down I lost my sister to a fall and the only thing that kept me going was my husband. He was there when I needed him. Having family also helps but they are not always available. So I am very grateful for my husband. If you have someone you are close to, keep them closer if you can.

  7. Recently, my family lost 2 members one right after the other. They were brothers. The 1st death hit me very, very hard. He was my uncle, but he was special needs(mentally, but verbal) and he has a brother that is same, but non-verbal. I am so blessed & honored though, to have been able to grow up around both, and learn so much from them. No, maybe not words, but emotions, feelings, looks, ect. I haven’t cried that hard since 2009, when I lost my dad. We all knew he was EXTRA special, because by doctor’s standards, he shouldn’t have lived past 30, yet he passed at 74. As hard as his passing was & still is for me, he truly is in a much better place. ❤️ He had been in a nursing home for numerous years & on kidney dialysis for over 20 yrs. His body just couldn’t take it and we couldn’t allow him to suffer no more. He was loved beyond measure, and he knew that. I am so glad for all the laughs, smiles, tears, and memories he left me. I will never forget him, and I have to keep pushing because his brother, like him, needs me & the other members of the family. God has definitely gained an angel, ❤️. RIP Uncle David

  8. Only time and prayer has helped healing my loss. But it really never goes away the tears still shed at times

  9. I think just being there for that person as much as you can. Comfort that person and listen to them, be the shoulder they can cry on and maybe try to keep them busy.

  10. Continuing to talk about someone’s loved one is a wonderful way to keep their memory alive. I think it’s hard for a person who is bereaved to feel like people have ‘forgotten about’ their loved one. Talking about them and sharing memories talking about the good times you had together is a good thing!

  11. I lost my beloved mother in 2020 and I feel so lost without her. She was more than my mother, she was also my best friend. I miss her so much. What has helped me is knowing she is with the Lord and in no more pain. The best thing you can do for someone who is grieving is pray for them and be there for them when they need someone to talk to . It is so hard losing someone you love dearly.

  12. I used to think that it might cause pain if I talked about a deceased love one with the one left behind, especially at the beginning. I’ve learned that even though there will be tears, there is also joy in knowing that a loved one isn’t forgotten! It’s almost cleansing to hear the dearly departed being discussed and remembered!

  13. It is always so difficult when you you lose someone you have been married to all your life. As friends of this person, make sure your church or her friends make meals for her especially in the beginning. Sending hand-written cards always help that person. Invite them to go shopping, to a movie or ask if there is someplace she needs to go to. Letting her know that her friends care about her will mean alot to this person. Even as months go by, stay in touch to know she is still doing okay.

  14. My mom passed away in February. The support of my friends and family helped comfort me. I also know I will see my mom again one day in Heaven!!

  15. This is a hard subject. I became a widow 13 years ago at the age of 47. Every day is hard, and I couldn’t get through each day without God by my side. I’m like Mary Ruth. I do know that my Steve is in heaven. What has helped me the most is my Dad and my 4 brothers always willing to answer questions, help me with major decisions, and help with physical labor that I can’t do.
    Susan in NC

  16. What helped the most was just allowing me to be , be sad, be angry, be lost just be then after understanding that it all comes in waves and moving forward means learning a new normal, When my momma died my kiddos all cuddled in with me while i just layed there then my better half and the family i grew from love not blood watched calming cartoons that made me smile and just be still in the moment,

  17. My father, who was a farmer, always said “if you love what you do it is never a job”. While he is no longer with us on this earth his words continue to resonate strongly. I remember these words each time I care for a patient. How truly blessed I am to have found the gift God has given me and have the ability to do it for 41 years and continuing! My passion for nursing has certainly help me know the impact of my father’s words. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

  18. Losing my dad was a blow I didn’t expect. We had a very rough relationship growing up and yet God turned it around to where he became my best friend. Knowing he gave his life to Jesus. Even though it was toward the end, I was able to rest and know that it is only a “see you later” . My faith has held me strong!

  19. Always be supportive and a listening ear. Keep in touch after ward and don’t just think all is well.

  20. You asked what we do to help comfort us after we have lost a loved one,well I lost my son when he was only 23 yrs.old.he was killed on a job related accident. Right after his death there was no way I could deal with this loss,then as time passed I learned to trust God to see me through this dark time,my son was a Christian man so I know he is with our father and I will one day see him again.

  21. I lost my dad last year to covid and I just buried my step Dad last month.its hard when you loss someone dearly.but I depend on God to get me threw.hw’s always there to comfort us.

  22. Loss is incredibly difficult. Sharing a meal, a listening heart, and prayer for someone who has experienced loss can be very helpful. Not saying things like “it’s okay or i understand” simply listening is best. When I lost my dad I found the most comfort via prayer walks in nature and feeling his presence when a butterfly crosses my path or light shines down on me through the trees. Blessings to you, your daughter and your whole family, Wanda ❤️

  23. I lost my dad last year to covid and I just buried my step Dad last month.its hard when you loss someone dearly.but I depend on God to get me threw.he’s always there to comfort us.

  24. For someone that’s grieving, sometimes the most helpful things are to just be with them, put clean sheets on the bed, wash a sink full of dirty dishes, hold their hand, have groceries delivered, make a few meals, pray with them, sweep the steps, screen phone calls, etc. See a need and fill it. Without words. Without asking what they need. (They don’t know how to answer when their mind is consumed with grief and they struggle to make even small decisions. Don’t ask them. Just do.)

  25. I lost grandparents on both sides when I was young (paternal side before I was 16yrs old & maternal grandmother at age 18) and the last was my maternal grandfather back in 2018. I wasn’t very close to them due to age, long distance and language barrier. I do wished I had taken more time to learn to communicate better when I was in elementary school. I lost out on so much (i.e. cultural traditions/stories). But I was a bratty little kid who was focused more on school, Saturday morning cartoons and always at the local library reading back in the 1990s.

    As I got older and became interested in cultural stories; I lost much memories. I begged my parents for stories as much as they can tell me. I explored and researched. That is why I am interested in reading other people’s cultural experiences/stories. I enjoy the Amish stories of their lifestyles and keeping true to themselves.

    Every year, my families visits our grandparents graves (paternal side is in the US) but my maternal side is back in Taiwan. We just do a memorial celebration of life at home for then. (清明节) Tomb Sweeping Day is a Traditional Chinese holiday celebrated for centuries. On April 5th, Chinese families commemorate and pay respects to their ancestors. The name, Tomb Sweeping Day, comes from the tradition of traveling to your ancestors’ tombs to sweep or clean them.
    We would go yearly on Grave Visiting day where the entire family cleans the grave (freshed up if needed), set out flowers, food, fruits and such as an offering and eat meal together. The entire family can enjoy the meal and it seems as if our ancestors spirits are joining us. While it seems strange for non-Asians, the reason is that we miss them and wish to enjoy a family meal together. My paternal grandparents were cremated and ashes are in stored in a box with plaque at a Buddhist monastery in an remote hillside area upstate New York.

    My husband side of the family visits in September instead of April to 2 different cermentaries where their paternal grandparents and father are buried. They also clean the gravestone (wash to clean it of dirt, etc) and plant fresh flowers around the gravestone. We set out a picnic blanket (werid but we wish to share a meal) of offerings and everyone gather around to eat.

    Regardless of where/what, the main common thing is pray, eat and enjoy family time together. We share stories and update the ancestors on our lives. In between those visits, we also do celebrate certain Chinese holidays, we cook a feast and enjoy together (like a Celebration of Life).

    I believe regularly commemorating our ancestors while sharing stories, traditions, cooking/feasting together is a wonderful way to remember and move forward. Yes, it is sad that they are no longer physically in our lives, but we still remember them and talk about them that we are able to process our grief and continue living in the present time.

    I believe for many people who loses someone, the classic saying of time will heal is true. As times go on, we do continue our day… but it doesn’t mean we forget them and can’t continue to grieve. You can continue to grieve but you can’t stop life. Everyone process their grief differently and I dislike the American way where people dislike talking about grief. They expect someone to stop being sad/depress after awhile… but I believe people should let it out and be as sad as they want until they are ready to rejoin the world.

  26. When my husband died just knowing he was NO longer in any kind of pain was my comfort.

  27. After a loss of someone I love I try to remember all the good times and I like to look at photos I have after I am ready.

  28. I love your books and collect them. To have a signed copy would be a treasure! I would like to enter your contest for a signed copy of The Celebration. I will email you my information.
    Thank you for this opportunity!

  29. I have found prayers, talks with God and time are the best healers. Also patience and love from family and friends help a lot.

  30. I lost my father after a severe accident with a Mack truck. My Dad was riding his Harley Trike, when the Truck made a right hand turn on red. My Dad didn’t stand a chance. He hung on for almost 3 months, which gave me time to show him how much I loved him. Don’t think he could understand, but it gave me peace. His motorcycle club rallied around me and showered me with their stories of their relationship with Dad. I now have another family to keep my Dad alive. I am so grateful for them.

  31. My Dad went to heaven at the age of 93 thirteen years ago. I rejoice in knowing he is with our Lord and savior. He went to his little country church and greeted each person as he handed out the church program for the day. He and Mom made sure his children went to church as long as they lived in his house. I remember him most when I attend church as we always sat on the left side fourth row from the pulpit. Mom taught the Sunbeams and children’s Sunday School . Now as an adult I remember both of them more every Sunday as that was the day we were taught at very young age that was the Lord’s day to celebrate all our blessing of family, food and friends.

  32. You will always miss loved ones. However, it is a daily, minute by minute process to remember Jesus loves us and we need to keep leaning, leaning. And the comfort especially if we know they are with the Lord and we will have a great reunion someday!

  33. On June 29th it was 23 years since my mom passed. Than I found out on June 29, 2023 my uncle just passed away the same day my mom did 23 years later. Its hard but I think of the good times we had. Also looking at pictures and also talking to others helps. It never gets easier just have to learn to live with it.

  34. I have said goodbye to two husbands and the one thing I appreciated was when friends and church family would recall something about them and it let me know that my loved one was remembered by more than just me! They were not forgotten!

  35. Hugs, hand holding, and silence; just be there. Words often time, while well meaning, often hurt and anger more than help. Its part of the grieving process.

  36. Several years ago, we very unexpectedly lost my grandmother, very early one morning. I remember the stunned numbness I felt. As the day went on, my phone began to ring and I knew it was friends and family calling but I didn’t want to talk to them. Later, I listened to the voicemails. The ones that meant the most were the ones that didn’t offer up “She’s in a better place.” Or “You’ll see her again”
    They were the ones that told me how much she meant to them. The ones that cried and hurt right along with me, because then I knew I wasn’t hurting alone. I knew they were praying for me and I knew they would be there if I needed anything, without them calling. But to hear how she had touched other people’s lives just helped. I saved those messages for years.

  37. Knowing that they are in Gods company now and remembering the good and bad time of the life that we had together (cause even in the bad times it they made an impact on my life) helps !!!

  38. A close friend recently lost her husband. I try to go out with her every few weeks, as well as, send her encouraging texts, thinking of you and praying for you texts, scriptures I come across, and remember her on holidays or dates special to her.

  39. In 2002 our 3 year old granddaughter died unexpectedly…….my faith in God and the grace of Jesus got me through but I must say that I have moved forward even today by avoiding the triggers…that sound, smell, taste etc……moving forward is difficult. The love of the Lord helped me…..very hard to this day to venture into those very dark days…..it is hard to put these feelings into words❤️

  40. Yes I read this book it was amazing. I think everyone can relate in one way or another. Prayers your family are doing well. You are a very blessed author. I enjoy all your books.

  41. Being around friends, family was a big help when my hubs passed 3 years ago. Plus time and with Gods help, I am better now! As a believer, I know he isn’t suffering. I get lonely
    Occasionally, but do try to stay busy.
    Talking to God helps too as I’m experiencing some health issues…
    I have to believe it’s Gods plan, He has this. Enjoy your books so much!
    Praying your daughter has continued healing, as well as your friend and the little girl…

  42. I find comfort in knowing they are pain free and rejoicing in Heaven. I remember all the memories made and joy they brought to my life.

  43. That is a hard one. I think always remembering the good times with that person helps and knowing the Lord is in control and has them is a comfort

  44. I’ve recently lost my dad, which that in itself is hard, but then having to go through all
    his belongings and to give his clothes away was heartbreaking too. I put all my trust
    in God to help me deal with it and of course his very good friend helped in a lot
    of my sad moments by reminding me of funny stories. I really could see my dad
    doing some of those things.
    I pray he is in heaven with my mom. THey loved to dance and I picture them dancing again.
    I am still praying for your daughter and her full recovery.
    Hope to see you in either Shipshewana or Pinecrest for a book signing.
    Regards
    Kathleen Hastings
    byukat@yahoo.com

  45. It’s hard to know what to say or do after a bereavement. Platitudes like “time heals” are almost never helpful. Just spending time with the person, and also knowing when to give them space to grieve alone, tend to be best. It can also help to be quietly helpful, such as bringing food or making sure the refrigerator is stocked with the basics, without saying a word. The main thing is being sensitive to the other person’s preferences, which are not necessarily what you might want in the same situation. For example, some people would really appreciate having help with cleaning, while others (like me) would be very hurt that someone even noticed the house needed cleaning, regardless of good intentions.

  46. I have been reading your novellas for as long as I can remember. I love the new adventures that I go on into Amish country with every book I read. Thank you for the holiday invites!

  47. Always cherish the memories you have had with your loved one. Share these memories with your family. I find that is what makes us all smile. It helps in the grieving process. I remember when my Mom passed we all sat on the floor and went through photos and we laughed and we cried.

  48. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of The Celebration. Your books are inspiring and so wholesome, something g desperately needed in these times. Thank you. Catherine

  49. It is hard to lose someone close to you. You have to give yourself time to grieve. It gives comfort to know they are no longer in pain and in a much better place. Being able to visit memories through pictures and thoughts also helps

  50. When I lost my mom and dad ( 8 years apart) what helped me was my faith, my church family, and I had a young son.

  51. I just love all of your books, so glad I found them now just waiting for each new one to come out. Have a great 4th of July week end.

  52. When i miscarried it helped me when someone just came over and sat and talked about other things. they were just there and at first i didnt want company but im glad i let them in and just their presence took my mind off the loss for a little while and it was healthy to visit about other things. also a couple of people sent our family meals. one lady ordered us pizza and had it delivered to the house. i was filled with a brief joy because of their thoughtfulness.
    Rachel Maples
    Monett Mo

  53. I, thankfully, have not lost my spouse, but due to being in the ministry we have been
    with many who have. One of the best things a person can do is to give of themselves.
    Its easy to give flowers, or meals, or cards, which are all terrific things. But giving of
    oneself is even better. They need a phone call, a visit, listen to the process of losing
    the spouse, even if you heard it 10 times before.. Take them out to eat, go for a walk
    in the mountains, just be with them, is there a part of the day that is harder than others,
    like for one who has lost a husband who worked, when it would be supper time, time
    for him to come walking into the house, the pain is more severe. Eat supper with them.
    Then, take them along visiting with you, help them to see others are hurting and are in
    need. If possible connect them up with someone who is in need, someone they can
    serve, so they feel needed.
    This is over a process of time, you wouldn’t accomplish this over night. We need to care
    for our family but also for our neighbors, there are so many people out there without
    anyone. We can make a difference. Jude 22 – “And of some have compassion, making a difference:” Whose day can you brighten today?

  54. I have lost both my parents. My greatest comfort is to know they have whole, healthy bodies now and aren’t suffering. And that I will one day see them again. I in no way wish them back to this earth even for myself.

  55. As I live away from my siblings, I had to deal with my feelings alone. I lost both my brothers, an Aunt and two cousins all in a short span. I try to focus on the memories.

  56. Loving a loved one is always hard, but I’ve been fortunate in knowing they’ve lead a great life and are right with the Lord. The home they are entering is more glorious than we can imagine and that sustains me. I’ll always cherish the memories we made together.

  57. I lost my husband 11 years ago. It helped me to keep busy and I used a lot of my time to help people. My Mom has not been able to stay my herself and I am her caregiver.

  58. Let them know I’m there for them for anything I can do to help. Call them to make sure they are doing okay. And I pray that God will comfort them during this time.
    When I lose a loved one I like to look at pictures and reminisce about all the wonderful times we had and thankful for all the memories we made together. Lots of praying.

  59. I talk to others about the person who has died. It help to talk about the highlights of the deceased life. I also talk to god so he can help ease my pain.

  60. I list both of my parents within a year and few days- 2016-2017 it’s been hard – it has taken me a long time to heal- I remember the good and bad times we hav Ed had as a family. I took care of them later in life- it’s just been hard.

  61. I loved the Healing Jar and the entire Prayer Jar series. Thank you for writing such inspiring books that help draw me closer to God.

  62. I myself, when it was hard to over come the deep dark grief I had even thou other try to help through God’s help I began to write about them , sometimes in poem form or essay, drawings. These did take quite some time to move forward.
    “42Days” in memory of Mom & Debbie (my sister)
    I lost them 42 days apart
    Mom died on Debbie’s 13 Anniversary, Debbie died and was buried on Moms Anniversary date.

  63. I love all your books. I can’t seem to put them down once I start reading; I have read almost all of your books. I especially like them being a Christian book and about the Amish as I live in Ohio and have traveled and visited Holmes County numerous times. I also have a Mennonite friend who is very dear to me. Thank you again for your books as they are fantastic. May God bless you and your family.

  64. Wanda, As I have been moving forward when I lost my husband unexpectedly from a massive heart attack I leaned and prayed to the Good Lord above who gave me strength in this hard time! Thank You for this amazing newsletter giveaway As I would love to win your book! Many Blessings coming your way and Continued Prayers for your Daughter and Family!

  65. Losing my husband from a massive heart attack I always Pray for strength from the Good Lord Above!

  66. My Mom passed away June 28, 2022. She had cancer and only lived a short couple of weeks after we found out. What helped me the most during this time was my faith and the knowledge that I would be reunited with her one day. She is now free from pain and suffering rejoicing in heaven with friends, family and loved ones who passed on before her.

  67. Losing someone always hurts, but always great to remember the good times we had with them.. always keeps me going strong.

  68. My Father died six years ago unexpectedly. My father loved the Lord with his whole heart. I know that knowing I will see him someday, helped me during my time of grief.

  69. I have lost most of my family over time, the most recent being my oldest sister. I enjoy sharing stories with my adult children about my childhood so that they may feel a connection to the family members I knew and loved.

  70. It is hard not to miss a loved one. My mother died at 47. Even though it has bee 52 years, I still miss her. Most of all I am sorry for all she missed: her children marrying, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She would have been a wonderful grandmother. Being able to share the joy with her and ask advice is what I miss the most. More often than not, I remember all the good times we had and what a wonderful mother and friend she was. That inspires me and gives me peace.

  71. Everyone grieves differently but just letting them know you are there for them. My brother passed away on my birthday June 15th. I was so upset and didn’t think I could ever celebrate it again… my 6 year old niece told me he was my guardian angel because it was on my birthday. It totally changed my feelings and am glad hes not suffering anymore.

  72. Not telling my friend that her pain would “be over” after her son was murdered. She suffered with grief and depression for months; many who knew her kept telling her she should be getting better by now. We finally had a long discussion about grief, loss, and the promises of God; there is a time for all things, even grief…a time to weep. There is no time limit. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, it gives no reference to time constraints. Over the next few months, my friend seemed to gain back her spiritual strength and even her joy.

  73. I lost my mother & brother 6 weeks apart. That was the hardest thing I had to do is both funerals! I remember all the love & fun times we had. Mom always made our dresses alike for when we went to Church.

  74. It was the anniversary of losing my Dad a few days ago. It’s been 10 years. I don’t think you ever get over it but learn to live with it. I know he’s no longer suffering and that’s a comfort but I still miss him ALL the time.

  75. When I lost my father 4 years ago the one thing that helped the most was knowing the lord was watching over me. Since I was my father’s caregiver, the lord helped me to then help family and friends to fill the emptiness of losing my father. Today I am a caregiver for my uncle and when he passes someday I know the lord will help me get through it.

  76. I Love All Your Books❣️ prayers for continued Healing for You and Your Family!

    Rhonda Putzier

  77. Love your books! Thank you for sharing your talent!
    After my mom died, I was so lost! I went through the motions of life, but I really didn’t ‘feel’ like a participant. It took me about 6 months to come around. But, I leaned on God and his love ❤️. He carried me through during the time I needed to heal my broken heart. THANK YOU JESUS! I am a minister’s wife, and I had the love and support of family and our church parishioners, as well. PRICELESS!

  78. Wanda,

    I love your books. I get lost in them when I am reading them and often loose track of time. Always looking for the next one to be published.

    God’s blessings to you and your family.
    Enjoy your day!
    Robert G. – A devoted reader from Menasha, WI.

  79. When I lost my beloved mother, what helped me was hearing others memories of her. I missed her so much, and it helped to know others treasured and missed her also.

  80. In January I lost my mother after a few years of declining health. Unfortunately her care became more than I could do at home so I had to place her in skilled nursing. What helped me the most was relying on my prayers and those of others. I made friends with other caregivers on the hall my mother was on and we supported each other with prayers, lunches together, and lots of hugs. We referred to our little group as The Golden Girls.

  81. I think it’s important for the person grieving to know that their not alone, that you are there for them if they need you. Check in with them from time to time to see if they need anything. With me losing a love one was to know that others cared about my loss by just being there for me.

  82. My friends helped me with the lost of my Dad last year by sending prayers and listening. It helped so much!

  83. We lost my mom 9 yrs ago. I think what has helped my dad the most is being surrounded by family. All of his grandchildren keeping him busy, he has become more involved with their extracurricular activities and much closer with my sisters and I.

  84. I did lose my grandma which was a huge hit for me as she was the closest relative to me when I was in the foster system and also when I came home from school one day and found the home has closed there was noone for me to call but my grandma and she came the 25 miles and got me, She retired and when she did she would take care and of my daughter then when my daughter had a baby she took care of my granddaughter, She didn’t talk about her past much but her love for all of us was instrumental in all of our lives. Time was the only thing that took me out of being so sad. I think of her everyday and always thank the lord for her in our lives.

  85. I lost my Mom and Dad and what has helped me is the support of all my family and talking of the memories and good times together. Also carrying on their traditions and looking at old photographs.

  86. Well I’m still in bereavement. I I lost my husband from cancer 22 months ago. It’s still hard for me to believe he’s never coming back. We have 2 married daughters and 6 living grandchildren. When they come to visit I’m still lonesome. It helps a little when they are here but it feels so overwhelming when they all leave. I really don’t know what helps except to talk about it with someone that has lost a spouse. Most people don’t want to talk about it. It’s really really a hard thing to be without someone you were married to for almost 45 years.

    1. You are in my prayers. My sister is going through chemo, right now. We lost our dad to this terrible disease. My heart goes out to you🙏🙏🙏🙏!

  87. I loved this book. Of course I love all your books. My favorite of all is the Hawaiian quilt. I have read it 3 times and could read it again. Absolutely wonderful.

  88. Sometimes your loved ones remain alive but you lose them to dementia. It is heartbreaking. Prayer and talking to close friends has gotten me through.

  89. I have lost all of my family members over the years. I am the only one left. lost my mama, daddy, sister and brother. I also lost a child. So I have mourned over the years. I believe in the Lord and Jesus and I pray to them everyday.At lleast I have allll the memories. Love reading your books.

  90. Your books are always so refreshing and enlightening. I anxiously wait for each new series. Thank you for sharing

  91. I have lost a lot of loved ones but the most devastating one was the loss of my youngest son. He suffered with leukemia for 21 months and passed away when he was only 7 1/2.It was the hardest thing that I have ever had to deal with. The only thing that made it easier for me was knowing that he was in heaven and was no longer hurting. It has been 35 years ago and still hurts today.

  92. I think having your friends and family member’s support. Also, reminding yourself of the wonderful memories you shared with this person.

  93. I lost my daughter when she was 10 from a brain tumor. It was and still is very hard for me. What helped me the most was just having someone to be there for me without giving advice or judgement about getting over things. My sister would sit with me and listen if I wanted to talk. It was good to just have her there so I did not feel alone in my grief.

  94. I prayed everyday but not only that I just thought of the great times I had with my grandma. She was an amazing woman and always listened to me and I loved hearing her answers. She was a woman I will never forget.

  95. I think that the best thing that you can do for someone that has lost a loved one is to just be there for them. If they need to talk about their loved one, be that listening ear. Be the shoulder for them to cry on. Let them tell stories about their loved one. Even if they are silly stories. Pray for them, and with them.
    I lost my dad to Cancer in my senior year in high school. I thank God that I had a group of very supportive friends that I could lean on. They prayed for me, and listened to me. They even let me vent on them, when I needed to. They even laughed with me when I would tell the silly stories of my dad. My friends knew that I needed that.

  96. I can relate because I lost my husband at a very young age of 21 due to a car accident along with his brother. They were the only sons my in-laws had; they did have a daughter. I had a one-year-old boy who was sick at the time and he was put in the hospital for IV’s. It was a traumatic and very difficult time but my eyes were opened when I read these Words while looking at a Christian book: ‘Be Still and know that I Am God’. In that very stillness I knew God was present and with the help of my family and friends I was able to conquer the devastating loss and move on with my life. God also created a miracle that I would not mind writing about someday. God carries us through the most difficult times and brings people into our lives that support. Thank you, and God bless you!

  97. grief is a life changing personal journey. I have found my bible to be my greatest tool to console me. Every one has walk their own road back to life without their loved one. As a friend, being present listening, and reassuring is the best thing you can do to help.

  98. I lost my dad to cancer when I was a senior in high school. That was 35 years ago, and I still think of him every day. It helps to remember the silly things he did, and all of the good times. He was sober two years before he died, but only because he couldn’t get to the bars. He was a good dad when he didn’t drink. So, that is how I choose to remember him. I look at his pictures and remember the good times.