Tips for Grieving the Loss of Your Grandmother
Even though grief is a natural part of the healing process, it doesn’t
make it any easier to lose your grandmother. If you were close, it’s
especially tough. Memories flood your heart and it can feel
overwhelming—and that’s okay. Be especially understanding with yourself
and know that everyone grieves differently, that your particular process
is valid and beautiful. Here are a few tips for mourning the loss of
your special family member.
Turn to Your Faith or Spirituality
Those with strong spiritual beliefs turn to their higher power during hard times because it comforts them. Because grieving can feel like such a lonely process, it’s good to have something bigger than yourself to remind you that you aren’t really alone. Lean on your faith during this time.
Talk to a Grief Counselor
It’s common to have difficulty investigating your feelings, and you might find it difficult to perform ordinary tasks each day while dealing with loss. It may be helpful to see a professional counselor who’s trained with grief counseling, and who can offer effective coping strategies.
Spend Time with Other Family Members
If there’s a tendency to isolate, make an effort instead to seek support and comfort from other loved ones who are mourning as well. People who are going through the same experience can find comfort in one another. Thoughtful bereavement gifts for a few family members might be appropriate, such as small angel ornaments for each of them. You could all get gifts for one another to share in moments of reflection and togetherness.
Prepare a Memory Box
An heirloom-quality memory box would make a nice gift for yourself. Maybe the lid has a carving of a woman praying on the lid and the inside has an inscription that says, “May you find strength, beauty, and peace each day.” Fill the box with photos, recipes, cards from her, poems, or anything that reminds you of her. Keep her memories close and think of it as gifts for grandma that are actually gifts for yourself to remind you of her.
Take Up One of Her Favorite Activities
What did she enjoy doing in her spare time? Was she an excellent baker, bowler, or knitter? One way to feel close to her memory is by learning something she was really good at and incorporating her favorites into your life in some way. You’ll always think of her fondly and can be proud that you acquired one of her admirable skills.
Take Care of Yourself
Your grandmother would want you to be happy and smile again when you’re ready. She would want you to take good care of yourself physically and emotionally. She would also want you to do nice things for yourself, like take a trip, read books, write in your journal, or whatever it is that makes you feel grounded in this world.
About Willow Tree®
Willow Tree® figurines represent the relationships between us and our friends, family, and pets. It is an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Willow Tree® sculptures have a simplicity of form, using gestures such as placement of the hands, a tilt of the head, or a turn of the body to reveal emotion instead of facial features. This opens the interpretation of each piece to both the giver and receiver. Find a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including cake toppers, angel ornaments, nativity sets, plaques, and much more.
Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com
Turn to Your Faith or Spirituality
Those with strong spiritual beliefs turn to their higher power during hard times because it comforts them. Because grieving can feel like such a lonely process, it’s good to have something bigger than yourself to remind you that you aren’t really alone. Lean on your faith during this time.
Talk to a Grief Counselor
It’s common to have difficulty investigating your feelings, and you might find it difficult to perform ordinary tasks each day while dealing with loss. It may be helpful to see a professional counselor who’s trained with grief counseling, and who can offer effective coping strategies.
Spend Time with Other Family Members
If there’s a tendency to isolate, make an effort instead to seek support and comfort from other loved ones who are mourning as well. People who are going through the same experience can find comfort in one another. Thoughtful bereavement gifts for a few family members might be appropriate, such as small angel ornaments for each of them. You could all get gifts for one another to share in moments of reflection and togetherness.
Prepare a Memory Box
An heirloom-quality memory box would make a nice gift for yourself. Maybe the lid has a carving of a woman praying on the lid and the inside has an inscription that says, “May you find strength, beauty, and peace each day.” Fill the box with photos, recipes, cards from her, poems, or anything that reminds you of her. Keep her memories close and think of it as gifts for grandma that are actually gifts for yourself to remind you of her.
Take Up One of Her Favorite Activities
What did she enjoy doing in her spare time? Was she an excellent baker, bowler, or knitter? One way to feel close to her memory is by learning something she was really good at and incorporating her favorites into your life in some way. You’ll always think of her fondly and can be proud that you acquired one of her admirable skills.
Take Care of Yourself
Your grandmother would want you to be happy and smile again when you’re ready. She would want you to take good care of yourself physically and emotionally. She would also want you to do nice things for yourself, like take a trip, read books, write in your journal, or whatever it is that makes you feel grounded in this world.
About Willow Tree®
Willow Tree® figurines represent the relationships between us and our friends, family, and pets. It is an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Willow Tree® sculptures have a simplicity of form, using gestures such as placement of the hands, a tilt of the head, or a turn of the body to reveal emotion instead of facial features. This opens the interpretation of each piece to both the giver and receiver. Find a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including cake toppers, angel ornaments, nativity sets, plaques, and much more.
Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com
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