Be my friend in my grief, just hold my hand and let me know you miss them too.

Tools for finding hope along the journey: Teaching others to help


The waves of emotions and tears can hit us at any time. There is no predicting when how we are feeling inside will overflow to the outside. As time passes our friends and families may become more and more concerned. Sometimes it can appear that they have forgotten why we might be upset as they ask us to explain. We can help them by letting them know that the questions aren’t necessary the “problem” remains the same…we miss them and it helps to know that others are feeling the same.

Artwork by Tanya Lord
About the Artist

Tanya Lord was a special education teacher when Noah died. After his death she read The Institute of Medicine’s report To Err Is Human and realized that the errors responsible for her son’s death were not unique. This created a desire and determination to better understand and work towards improving health care. Currently she has completed a master’s degree in public health and a PhD in clinical and population health research and is completing a post-doctoral fellowship. Lord shares her personal and professional experiences in presentations and workshops for medical staff and students focusing on the importance of effective communication with patients before and after an error. She also is a co-founder of The Grief Toolbox (www.thegrieftoolbox.com), which offers tools to help those along the grief journey. Lord may be contacted at [email protected]