Why I Started Friend Grief

Aug 10, 2011 by Victoria Noe, in bereavement , Friend Grief , Friendship , Grief , grief support , grieving styles , online grief support , online grieving

I started this blog 6 months ago, so I thought it was a good time to look back and take stock.

I’ve learned a lot about the technical joys and frustrations of blogging.

I’ve learned a lot about the challenges of trying to stick out in an online world of blogs on every conceivable topic. This is what I wrote in my first post on February 1:

Welcome to Friend Grief. It's here to raise awareness of a powerful experience in all of our lives: the death of a friend. Millions of people each year suffer the pain of a friend's death, and many of them suffer more because those around them don't respect their grief.

The people who are part of Friend Grief have all been there, done that. In the coming weeks, you will meet some more of them. Some of them are real people; others are characters in books and plays and films.

I also hope that bereavement professionals will read this blog and ensure that their services are specifically welcoming to not just family, but friends. Those who grieve are not defined by the legality of their relationship, but the depth of their love.

That still holds as well. I’ve contacted hospices and grief support groups in the US and other countries, and while most say friends are welcome to their open groups, none have groups just for friends.

Friend Grief is here for you, and your suggestions for topics or resources are always welcome. Feel free to email me at victorianoe@friendgrief.com.

Prev Next

Now Available

Victoria Noe

Award-winning Author, Speaker, Activist