“All the advice we ever get about grieving our loss will be of little merit if we do not keep in mind that, ultimately, we must grieve in our own way.” Emphasizes the author: “No one can determine for you what you will grieve or how you will grieve. You can turn to others for support and practical advice, of course, and this, in fact, is wise. Family and friends can offer comfort, and experts can guide you with healthy counsel. As John Donne said, ‘No man is an island, entire unto himself.’ But you do yourself a grave disservice by heeding the directives of others without checking in with the foremost expert on your grief: you.

By Kass Dotterweich