Excellent Questions

Have you ever wondered what to say to comfort a friend experiencing grief? If so, you are not alone. Loss and grief in life is the one common thread that binds us all together. No one is exempt from heartache and pain. However, most of us never receive any training or education on how to be a source of support for friends who need us during dark days.
You may not know one of my favorite retirement commitments. I am embedded in a new nursing seminar at the University as a guest lecturer for loss, grief and spiritual care. The students are amazing. They watch my Youtube video titled "Flipping Fear to Calm" and submit questions to their professor. She sends me an anonymous list of the most sincere and heartfelt questions.
You need to know this generation of diverse young people want desperately to care for your spiritual needs during loss and grief. I am in the process of compiling a series of answer books filled with true stories and vital information.

Are you curious to know what they want to know?

How can you help a patient get over the fear of dying?

Is it hard to comfort people when they don’t want to be comforted?

How do you comfort people with other religions when you don’t know anything about them?

While providing care for others, how can healthcare workers look after their own psychological and spiritual needs?

Is it ever appropriate to ask someone to pray for them, or do they need to ask for it to be appropriate?

How do you go about giving the best care to someone in spiritual distress?

What usually happens to someone who does not go through the grieving stages? Maybe they hold their emotions back or do not feel as if they need to grieve and don't.

How would you recommend caregivers or loved one’s approach conversations about death and dying with someone who is reluctant to discuss these topics due to fear?

I know about the stages of grief, but what about the types of grief?

What are the right words to say?

Can you see what I see?

These young people want answers to difficult questions so they can be compassionate caregivers. Here is where I need your help.

Do you seek answers to these same questions?

If I create a book series would this be something you would read? Also, if you have stories where someone helped you with the right words and actions during loss and grief, would you send them to me? I believe true stories have the power to change lives. Often when someone says the right words at the right time, we need to share them.
Please feel free to send me any stories or phrases and I promise to keep them anonymous. I know we all are busy and often in email jail. If even ten of you let me know if you would be interested in this book series, I would appreciate your time. Send responses to [email protected].
Head to YouTube and subscribe @drdonnak to view the YouTube videos on Excellent Questions or Loss: One Common Thread.
I also have a course on walkthehalls.com if you want handouts and help with creating a personal loss lifeline.
I do apologize for all this text and no pictures. Technology is great when it works. This morning it's not working, but I am.
Thanks for your faithfulness,
Have a blessed month and know I am so thankful for all you do me!
Love and prayers,
Dr. Donna