Good Grief!

My last grief class was about the family dynamics and how they change when one person in the family is gone. They compared the family dynamics to a mobile. When one piece of the hanging mobile is removed the entire sculpture is unbalanced. If the family member who left plays a vital role (black sheep, favored one, event planner) someone else in the family may move into that role. One member of our group had a sister who died that was the favored one. Now, due to the fact that she is the only sibling left, she if the favored one but it doesn't feel good to her because she knows she got the role by default. We were reminded that we can change our roles in our family. If we're mindful of our actions and act in thoughtful ways, we can participate in our family dynamics in a way that  is mutually beneficial and comfortable. Our group has ended for now but takes up again in the fall at a different venue. One member said she would take the class again but instead  of going to the sibling grief group she would attend the loss of a parent group. She felt she had grieving work to do with her parents who have been gone for several years. I am glad I attended this group.