In modern society, people who are grieving are often seen as needing recovery, as if grief were an illness. They are urged by family and friends to let go and move on and return to normal. There is no expected timeline for grieving.

Well-meaning non-grievers often fear bringing up the source of the loss for fear of upsetting the griever, when in fact, the grieving person desperately needs to talk about his or her feelings - whatever they may be: sadness, relief, guilt, anger, gratitude, etc.

Grief is not a condition to be cured, and those who have suffered a loss don’t return to normal. As Alan Wolfelt, a well-known grief expert, writes, the journey of grief is a process that encourages us to “search for meaning, look for reasons to get one’s feet out of bed and understand the pain of our loss.”

Grief support groups are a very effective way for grievers to deal with their losses because they provide a safe place for grievers to nurture themselves and each other.

The other people in the group become companions to each other, listening, supporting and sharing their own stories. The members of the group share some things in common, but each grief journey is unique. Members don’t give advice; they share what has worked for them.

Anyone interested in registering or obtaining more information may call Bernita Hackney at the senior center, 302-227-2055; or Mary Van House at Compassionate Care Hospice, 934-5900. Cape Henlopen Senior Center is located at 11 Christian St. in Rehoboth Beach.