One hundred years
ago, people within a community were aware of a person’s
grief. They were given outward indicators by the dressing in
black, or an armband that was worn for a year to indicate that
they were in mourning. Today, people are given three days to
deal with a death, make arrangements and be back at work. These
people are rushed into a “get over it” feeling, and
not given options to deal with the issues of loss. Well meaning
friends attend a memorial service or send a condolence card
that is quickly forgotten. The person in grief is no more likely
to remember the card sent, then they are to be productive at
work. The average mourning for a significant loss is 4-5 years
according to the Mental Health Institute. This mourning period
is not outwardly visible, it does not include profound grief.
Profound grief is continual crying, anger or withdrawal. Most
people within this mourning time are looking for answers to
questions about their relationship with the loved one, or a
spiritual connection to them. Acknowledgment and validation
are more important to the person in grief, than the mere words
of sympathy. To find a book that will visually stimulate the
person in grief to move forward with life and deal with the
issues of the loss is an acknowledgment of the impact that the
loss has had in their life. To know that others have felt profound
loss and dealt with similar issues is validation to the bereaved.
My Angels are born from life experiences, mine and those that
have talked and shared with me in the past. I hope no one ever
has to learn all these lessons the hard way, like I have, but
I hope that someone finds some comfort in the little angels
that you will see here on my pages.
Some Angels have songs or quotes. Where the quote is not mine,
I have given credit, but each song or writing is meant to help
in understanding and feeling that has gone into the drawing.
These Angels are available in book form, single issue framed
memorials, and calendars. Please click here to take you to the
Order home page.
