August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day. The day is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the pain of grief and offer understanding to those who are struggling under the weight of loss. National Grief Awareness Day was founded by Angela Cartwright in 2014. Angela is a courageous woman who has endured many tragic losses in her life. She once wrote, "I felt like a prisoner in my own grief. Breaking free is a journey. Thank God there are many keys."  

Much of our work at the Voices of Grief Center is to offer keys to people who feel trapped in their pain and can’t see the way through.  Some of those keys are very simple – such as a welcoming and nonjudgmental place to be heard as you tell your story. These conversations often become bridges of hope. As we risk sharing our pain with others, and receive validation in a compassionate response, our spirit is refreshed. This simple exchange of honesty and care opens doors and empowers our journey towards freedom. 

In creating National Grief Awareness Day, Angela has given us a public platform to acknowledge the pain and loneliness of grief. But this gift will only transform lives if we take the risk and share our stories with others. What losses have you experienced? How have these losses transformed you? What have been the most helpful keys for you in your journey towards freedom? We encourage you to reach out to others today. Share your stories with one another and offer each other compassion and care.  #GriefAwarenessDay

Join us October 9-10, 2023 as Voices of Grief Support and Education Center presents “A Community Gathering of Song and Healing.” The dynamic performer and teacher, Melanie DeMore, will harness the power of music to facilitate healing at a time when so many of us are navigating loss and grief. Learn more.