Losing a loved one, especially a parent, leaves an indelible mark on our lives. The emotional weight of such a loss can be overwhelming as we come to terms with the absence of someone who shaped us in countless ways. While many believe the soul persists beyond death, the loss of their physical presence is undeniably painful. During these difficult times, religious and cultural rituals offer comfort, providing a structured way to process grief and offering us the space needed to reflect, mourn, and ultimately heal.
However, I am noticing a troubling trend emerging in society: the rush to bypass the grieving process as if it’s something to be avoided. Some people argue that death, particularly when someone reaches a certain age, is simply a natural part of life, downplaying the emotional toll it carries. While I understand the challenges caregivers face, I find it unsettling when people justify hastening death or pushing grief aside, suggesting we should simply move on as if nothing has changed. The belief that the departed’s soul remains with us is no reason to skip the emotional and mental space required to truly honor their memory. This mindset may stem from immaturity or the pressure to return to “normal” quickly, perhaps driven by a fear of missing out on life’s joys. Death should never be wished upon anyone, and downplaying its significance or expressing such thoughts casually is deeply distressing. Instead, we must allow ourselves time to grieve, reflect, and show empathy toward those in mourning. It’s okay to miss a few events, to step back, and to give ourselves and others the space needed to reflect and process our loss. What concerns me most is the tendency to “move on” too quickly, often disregarding customs and rituals that allow us the time to properly honor those we’ve lost. People skip funerals or hastily complete last rites in the name of “moving forward.” This behavior can extend to avoiding interactions with grieving family members simply because they feel uncomfortable. In doing so, we diminish the emotional bonds that once defined our relationships. What are we teaching future generations when we encourage them to sidestep grief? Rushing through grief risks severing our connection to the past, and inadvertently, teaches our children to suppress their emotions, stunting their emotional growth.
Grief is an essential part of life, teaching us about love, loss, and the passage of time. It cannot and should not be rushed. Mourning provides us the opportunity to heal, build strength, and develop a deeper appreciation for the relationships we’ve had. I believe it’s essential to make room for grief, show empathy for one another, and allow ourselves the time to mourn properly. Mourning is not a negative experience—it is, in fact, a necessary one. In a world that encourages us to ‘move on’ quickly, let’s take the time to honor those we’ve lost and allow ourselves the space to heal.
