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WHAT GRIEF TAUGHT ME
This project was born from a place of deep grief and love. After losing my best friend to suicide, I found myself searching for ways to make sense of the unimaginable. Grief is a universal experience. Although it may look and feel different for everyone, all of us will face grief during their lifetime. It moves through us in stages, in waves, and in the quiet spaces we rarely discuss. Through writing, I’ve tried to give shape to my own grief while creating space for others to reflect on theirs. This capstone is not just a reflection of my loss but a call to check in on the people you love, to speak what’s often left unsaid, and to remind one another that we are never truly alone.
STAGES OF GRIEF
Shock//
The initial response to loss, where everything feels surreal and detached. It is the mind’s way of protecting itself from overwhelming pain.
Denial//
A quiet refusal to accept the reality of what has happened. In this stage, one might cling to hope or believe it to be a mistake.
Bargaining//
A search for meaning or a way to reverse the loss. Thoughts of “if only” or “what if” fill this stage, offering a temporary escape from grief’s weight.
Anger//
Frustration, blame, and helplessness often surface here. Anger may be directed at oneself, others, or the situation itself, as the heart wrestles with the injustice of loss.
Depression//
A deep sorrow settles in as the reality of absence becomes undeniable. This stage is marked by quiet reflection, sadness, and emotional heaviness.
Acceptance//
A gentle acknowledgment of loss. Acceptance allows space for sorrow and memory, making it possible to carry grief with grace and continue forward.
"And dreaming of you now is like listening to the song inside of a seashell; while you can't see the waves or smell the salt, its call still makes you feel like you are right there by the ocean-yes, I know you're not really here, but when you miss a thing this badly, even the illusion is enough."
- Beau Taplin
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