The final step in the L.A.S.T. communication process is a very meaningful form of non-verbal communication. Touching is a cardinal piece of the bereavement support puzzle. Voluminous messages can be conveyed with non-verbal communication such as body language, attitude, eye contact, tone of voice, facial expression, touch, and posture. However, in a recent survey by the Arizona SIDS Alliance, touch proved the most significant form of non-verbal communication. More than ninety percent of respondents said that they appreciated when a firefighter, physician, nurse, or social worker gave them a hug or held their hand.
Reconciliation is a more appropriate word.
And reconciliation does eventually come. It can take many months, years for most. Families who are offered compassion do manage their grief better. They are also better equipped to integrate the death of their child into their day to day lives. Parents satisfied with their level of psychological care are more likely to resolve the universal grief-demons of anger and guilt.