There are losses that unfold slowly, without a clear moment of goodbye. You wake up one day and realize that the person sitting across from you — the one you’ve known for years, maybe decades — has changed. Not gone, but different. Illness has a way of rearranging lives like that. It takes pieces of the person you love, sometimes gently, sometimes all at once, until the familiar rhythms of your connection no longer sound the same.

We often think of grief only in terms of death. But what about the loss that’s steeped in separation, absence, and invisible walls? The incarceration of someone close — whether a family member, partner, or friend — can stir a grief as real and deep as any other. It’s a non-death loss that deserves acknowledgment, care, and compassion.

Redefining yourself after loss isn’t about “moving on.” It’s about discovering how to live within a changed world while honoring what has been lost. It’s a process of becoming—one that unfolds slowly, unevenly, but meaningfully.

Grief doesn’t always begin with death. Sometimes, it starts the moment someone you love begins to slip away — not physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Addiction creates a unique kind of absence. The person is still here, yet not quite reachable. The connection you once knew changes, sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once. This is a form of grief few people talk about, yet it’s one that many quietly endure.

As a motherless mother, it’s essential to cultivate a network of supportive individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical help. This network might include trusted friends, family members, or even mentors who can offer advice when needed.

Consider the following strategies for building your support system:

• Identify Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who uplift you, whether they are friends who have children or older women who can serve as maternal figures.

Motherhood is a life-changing experience, filled with moments of joy, challenge, and growth. But for women who are motherless daughters, becoming a mother can stir up a unique set of emotions—grief, longing, and at times, uncertainty. The absence of a mother while navigating the challenges of parenting is deeply felt, touching nearly every aspect of this journey.

Dealing with the loss of a parent can be a profoundly traumatic experience when it is unexpected, especially for young families. This unexpected loss is more intense, and the emotional impact resonates deeply within the family unit. Recognizing the unique challenges each child faces at different cognitive developmental stages is key to providing effective support.

In the realm of grief, the loss of a spouse or parent can be a devastating blow, especially for young families. The emotional turbulence that ensues is profound, and for those left behind, the first 5-6 months are akin to navigating through a storm where the waves of grief are relentless, crashing against the fragile stability of daily life.

Losing a sibling is an immense and deeply personal loss. As we navigate the turbulent waters of grief, it is crucial to extend compassion and understanding to ourselves and those around us. Embracing support, cherishing memories, and prioritizing self-care can provide solace and help us move forward with resilience. Although the pain may never fully subside, by honouring our siblings' legacies and finding meaning in our lives, we can embark on a journey of healing and growth while keeping their memory alive in our hearts.

Father's Day is a bittersweet occasion for many individuals who have experienced the loss of their fathers. The absence of a father figure can be particularly challenging on this day, reminding us of the profound void left behind. However, amidst the sorrow, there are ways to commemorate our beloved dads, honouring their memory and finding solace in the cherished moments we shared. In this article, we will explore strategies for coping with Father's Day after the loss of a father, as well as ideas for honoring and remembering these extraordinary men.

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss, and it is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Traumatic grief, however, is a more intense form of grief that can be caused by a traumatic event or experience. While both forms of grief involve feelings of sadness, pain, anger, and anxiety, there are some key differences between them.

The Sunday before the designated Mother’s Day has now been deemed as Motherless Mothers Day. This day allows those to join together in their loss while honouring their absent mother. Mother’s Day is a special day for many, but for those who have lost their mothers, it can be a difficult reminder of the absence, especially for the first couple years. The following suggestions are possible ways to spend the day that continues and honours your maternal relationship.

With the shorter days and colder winter months, many people experience what is often called the winter blues. It’s not uncommon to feel fatigue, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a disruption in your sleep schedule during the winter season. Adding a dose of grief to the seasonal mix can increase the impulse to isolate, ignore self-care habits, can exacerbate feelings of depression.

Grief in the holidays can be a heavy load at times. Grief seems magnified during this time of year. Conflicting emotions and desires can create real tension within: you want to be happy with your family and friends, yet the absence of your loved one is so painful at the same time.

Did you know there are 7 types of grief? Isn't everybody’s grief the same? Yes, grief is all the deeply personal internal experience of your thoughts and feeling and this sounds straightforward. Yet, our grief and how we cope with the loss is greatly impacted by factors surrounding the loss.

Why does grief and anxiety go together? Since anxiety is a stress response and grief is certainly a stress, it makes sense that they can go together. Your loss may be recent or many years ago, but anxiety can become an expression of grief that you may not realize.

The holiday season can be especially challenging to those who are grieving because it is a season, not just a day, that is full of memories and traditions. Grief is hard work no matter the time of year. Tears will likely be a part of your season and may even take a sacred place at the holiday table. A helpful idea is to create your own holiday grief map. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

What to give to someone who has lost a loved one? This question is often asked and although flowers are the traditional gift of condolence, there are many other alternatives.