There are hordes of expressions that swirl around the twin topics of grief and recovery. Unfortunately, many of them are not helpful when we find ourselves stuck in the middle of grieving situations. We have been socialized to believe that sadness, which is the normal response to sad news or sad memories, is somehow a reduction rather than an appropriate response. Years ago the Republican National Convention was held in San Diego. One of the keynote speakers was former First Lady, Nancy Reagan. By that point in time, President Reagan was already under the impact of full-blown Alzheimer’s disease. As Mrs. Reagan spoke, she cried, openly and honestly. What a perfect representation of emotional truth for all the world to see. That’s what we thought. But not so, thought the Los Angeles Times. On August 12, 1996, the Los Angeles Times ran a headline stating - Nancy Reagan loses composure in a tribute to her ailing husband. Why do we know about this? Because on August 13, 1996, we wrote a letter to the editor of the Los Angeles Times. Here is a copy of that letter:
The Nature of Grief
"We have been interviewed and quoted many times in the Los Angeles Times View and Life Style section as experts on the topic of grief and recovery. Our constant refrain is that “grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss.” Nancy Reagan, along with millions of others, has experienced a major loss in response to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on President Reagan. Even those with opposing political views share a sense of sadness when thinking about him. Since grief is normal and natural, so is crying. Crying is not losing composure. Crying is a natural and healthy response to loss or reminder of loss. Sadness and happiness are equal. We would no more wish to take away someone’s sadness than we would take away their joy. *Please do not fall into the trap of identifying sadness as negative or something to be avoided. Millions read your paper. Please let us give them accurate language about human emotions**.* "
We signed the letter as the principals of The Grief Recovery Institute. Of course, you’re wondering if the Times ever published the letter. Bet you won’t be surprised to find out they did not. As a society we pride ourselves on our progress, but when it comes to crying and grief, and the honest emotions connected to loss, we often seem to be going in the wrong direction.
If you found this article helpful, we have other articles on this topic you might be interested in:
Reaction to Loss: If I start crying will I be able to stop
On Crying and Grief - Part 1
On Crying and Grief - Part 2