Moving Forward from Death | Death | Forum

I honestly don't think grief has a timeline, but there is a co-worker who is expressing concern over one of their family members because they don't seem to be moving on.  It's their aunt, who lost her husband not quite a year ago.  My co-worker says her aunt isn't socializing much.  She does a lot of picture staring and holding and I guess is just talking mostly about the past when her husband was alive.  She still works, though, and maintains her house and such.  I just think she needs more time.  Of course, I'm no expert and I don't even know my co-worker's family.  Any thoughts?

Yes, it definitely takes time. As long as she is continuing to function and is not wasting away or becoming suicidal, I think it is good to just allow her time to grieve. She might even appreciate it if someone would visit with her and talk about her husband with her, allowing her to remember and grieve.

She may never really go "forward" from here. Some people can get on with their lives and others can't. I think the biggest thing is not to push her or try to force her. Her quality of life as far as socializing and being really happy may never improve, but she is functioning and I think it's important that she be allowed to handle her grief the way she wants to.

You know, I am not sure of her age exactly.  I get the impression she is in her late 40's, based on what's been said so far.  They didn't have kids, either, so I think she's feeling a little lonely.