In gathering my thoughts on the subject of grief I did look over at least some of the voluminous literature on the subject. One book I especially appreciated, especially its opening chapters, was called Giving Sorrow Words. She founded the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving after her 13 year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. From the moment of birth when we leave the womb forever, we face loss in many ways. Every change, desired or not, large or small, involves loss.
Losses shape our lives.
She puts it very well. My own answer to that question is that loss is also a prelude to transformation. I'll return to this point in a few minutes. Yes, I would say so. I knew for 2 or 3 months, back in 1979, that my father's death was approaching, but getting the actual news of it still left me stunned for a time so that I literally could not move other than to sit down on a couch.