Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD says that, “Mourning is the open expression of your thoughts and feelings regarding the death and the person who has died. It is an essential part of healing. You are beginning a journey that is often frightening, painful, overwhelming, and sometimes lonely.”
He lists steps toward helping the grief stricken heal on the Web site for his Center for Loss and Life Transition. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Wolfelt, the Center for Loss and Life Transition is a private organization dedicated to furthering the understanding of, and compassion for, the complex set of emotions called grief.

~ REALIZE YOUR GRIEF IS UNIQUE

Your experience will be influenced by a variety of factors: the relationship you had with the person who died, the circumstances surrounding the death, your emotional support system, and your cultural and religious background. As a result of these factors, you will grieve in your own special way. Don't try to compare your experience with that of other people or to adopt assumptions about just how long your grief should last. Consider taking a "one-day-at-a-time" approach that allows you to grieve at your own pace.

~ TREASURE YOUR MEMORIES

Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after someone loved dies. Treasure and share them with your family and friends. Recognize that your memories may make you laugh or cry. In either case, they are a lasting part of the relationship that you had with a very special person in your life.

~ MOVE TOWARD YOUR GRIEF AND HEAL