Death, a very morbid subject, but unfortunately is a part of life. Whether it be a loved one or a pet or even a plant - everything and everyone experiences death.

In the past couple of days my great uncle had passed away. He was 84 and sick. Thankfully, he went peacefully. However, the person I really saw struggle in the last few days of his life was my great aunt, Dorothy. She is the kindest most genuine lady I know. After he passed, I saw her that day and she asked me how I was doing - a strange social norm for something so sad. Her answer was, “Okay now that my family is here." Loss makes you think of all the things you have and how life is such a precious gift.

Death comes in many shapes and sizes. It is NOT very hard to not cope with it but rather it is hard to accept and move on in the best, healthiest way possible. Here are the five stages of the grieving process. They can occur in any order:

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

I have found that the best way to not constantly be sad is to keep busy and don’t bottle it up. Let it out, cry, or listen to music. In my opinion, it is most important to let yourself feel. Know you aren’t alone and know time will heal you... and that a long time is okay. It may take 6 months or 6 years for you to be completely okay. Remember this person through their life, try and remember how they were or find things that remind you of them. Even though people say it all the time, the person who passed would not want you wasting your life being miserable because you lost them. Instead, they would want you celebrating the life they did live and the memories you made with them.

There is a big stigma about going to get help from a professional if you are really struggling. It is looked upon as weak and it has a bad connotation, but I am here to tell you that it is good to get help. It means that you understand you are struggling and you're trying to help yourself in the best ways possible.

This article was a bit sad to read and to write nevertheless I hope it found you well and it helps you whether you have lost someone or are struggling with another type of loss. Lots of love to Uncle Jerry and may he rest in the greenest of peace.