Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) celebrated a major step forward for her bill to ban cancer-causing asbestos from commonly sold products. The bill, which had been sidetracked for five years by Republicans, surged through the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, by a 19-0 vote.

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When working with clients and caregivers affected by mesothelioma I am stuck by the multiple layers of grief and loss. Clients and caregivers have to cope with current, present, and future losses. Past loss may include unresolved grief from previous losses, remembered acts committed, and unfinished business. Present loss may include loss of functioning ability, current roles, and hope. Anticipated future loss my include loss of control, independence, productivity, security, pleasure, dreams, hopes for the future, significant others, identity, physical, psychological, and cognitive abilities. Coping with grief and loss is difficult. Each of us experiences our loss and grief in different ways.

Judith Skretny (1997) wrote about the five most important things to know about grief and loss:

1. Grief is a normal, natural response to the loss of someone or something important.

2. Grief lasts longer and is more painful than most people think it will be.

3. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Our style of grieving is as unique as our fingerprints.

4. Very often our family and friends can’t support us through our time of grieving.

5. Good grief doesn’t mean forgetting. It means remembering and creating a “new” relationship with the deceased.

Remember there are resources to assist you during this challenging time. You don’t have to grieve alone. Whether it’s a social worker, nurse, doctor, family member, neighbors, or other support people in your community reaching out to someone you are comfortable with can be helpful.

I will be discussing additional support options and resources in future posts. Also review the resources listed in the support section of our website: click here