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The Phases of Grief

THE PHASES OF GRIEF bereavement pain physical spiritual and philosophical SHOCK & DENIAL can’t find relief overwhelming numbed disbelief PAIN & GUILT unbearable preemptive suffering remorseful chaos excruciating ANGER & BARGAINING growing bitter frustration time rewinding negotiation DEPRESSION & REFLECTION grieving bitter loneliness memories filling emptiness THE UPWARD TURN adjusting calmer living affliction less unforgiving RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH willingness to survive becoming functionally alive ACCEPTANCE & HOPE handling new reality reinventing integral repartee Submitted on October 8, 2018 for contest SIX-WORD COUPLET SERIES ENCORE sponsored by MARK TONEY - RANKED 1ST

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Timothy Mcguire

Date: 12/4/2018 7:25:00 PM

What a expert on the use of the English language, well done!

Line Gauthier
Date: 12/4/2018 8:19:00 PM

Thank you so much, Timothy. You are too generous with your kind comments. Line xx

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 12/3/2018 7:22:00 PM

Oh, I love how you addressed all of the stages of grieving, Line. The bargaining and attempts to turn back time never work, but still we go through this. I know it's been a rough year for you and I hope 2019 brings better days. It takes time and recovery is inconsistent. Congratulations on your first place!

Line Gauthier
Date: 12/4/2018 8:21:00 PM

Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your very kind words of encouragement. Most appreciated. Line xx

Mark Toney

Date: 12/3/2018 6:21:00 PM

Line, thank you for entering the contest, and congratulations on your first place finish! How effectively you describe the agonizing path from bereavement to acceptance and hope. A FAV for me. ~Mark

Line Gauthier
Date: 12/3/2018 7:59:00 PM

Thank you so much, Mark. Most appreciated. A fun contest.

Rhona Mcferran

Date: 10/9/2018 12:06:00 PM

This is brilliant, Line! A definite FAV for me. I love the way you bring us through those horribly difficult phases and end on such an encouraging note... SO well done! *hat off, bowing to you*

Line Gauthier
Date: 10/9/2018 3:08:00 PM

Thank you for your most appreciated visit and compliment, Rhona.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/8/2018 3:12:00 PM

Well written couplets Line. Tom. PS. Have soup mailed you.

Line Gauthier
Date: 10/8/2018 8:57:00 PM

Thank you so much, Tom. Most appreciated.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/8/2018 2:16:00 PM

You make this look easy Line....but I know it is not. Well done! ; )

Line Gauthier
Date: 10/8/2018 2:43:00 PM

Thank you for your lovely visit, Connie... I assume you mean going through all those phases... i.e. easier said than done. Line xx