Love and grief are sacred parts of the human experience. The closeness we share with those we love creates unbreakable bonds. The dynamics of love go far beyond and deeper than words can express. Losing someone you love is heartbreaking. The many experiences and expressions of grief are also hard to sum together in words or intellectualize. 

Love and grief are tightly intertwined. All of the love you have for and shared with your person continues to be held in your heart. Dr. Alan Wolfelt says: “You grieve the person’s absence and need to express your feelings of grief. You must mourn. You must commune with your grief and take it into your heart, embracing your many thoughts and feelings. When you allow yourself to fully mourn, over time and with the support of others, who care about you, you will come to find that the person you lost does indeed still live inside you.”

Love connects us to the universal experience of existence, as does grief. Through the various hardships, beauty, feelings, mystery, and connection in life there are spaces for discovery and healing. 

Our hopes for you everyday on and on the day of love, Valentine’s Day:

• Allow yourself to feel all of your emotions with authenticity and no judgment. 
• Lean on the comfort of memories, share keepsakes, listen to meaningful music, or watch a special film.
• Spend time showing appreciation for yourself through self-care. Perhaps you enjoy time in nature, reading, creating artwork, movement, eating a special treat, or resting. Create time for anything that soothes your soul. 
• Gather with people who compassionately support you. 

Through the complex feelings of love and grief please be gentle with yourself. We hope you feel the warmth and connections of your loved one wrapped around your heart. EricsHouse sends compassion and our love to you.