ABSTRACT
The work of grief is a natural process by which the emotions reorganize themselves to cope with the loss and re-establish healthy relationships. The constellation of experiences of shock, denial, numbness, and disbelief are nature's way of temporarily protecting the mourner from the reality of the death of someone loved. Just as people expect that mourners experience pain as a part of reconciliation, when they expect reconciliation, and know it is possible, they help the person acknowledge reconciliation as a goal for which to work. To help people move toward reconciliation means to be open to their own experiences with grief while keeping the focus on those you are attempting to help. As an effective helper, do not collaborate with others who may be attempting to force decisions out of the person. Decisions can and should be temporarily postponed until the person feels capable of participating in the decision making process.
