After by Francis Chalifour (Post #3)

Grief is hard to overcome. It attacks in many different forms- physical, behavioural, social, etc. However, it is not the end of the world, even though it sometimes feels like it is. There are many ways to deal with it.

This is a visual that I created. It portrays the idea of dealing with grief through various methods in order to find the key that will unlock all the negative feelings inside, so that one can heal.

Inside the chains you see feelings of sadness, loneliness, and more. Francis’ feelings of a broken heart and fear of alienation for being known as “Son of Suicide Man” is also portrayed, as well as, two drama masks which show that Francis has two different faces- the sadness he feels inside and the happiness that he shows others. Surrounding the chains are the various methods of coping. Talking to someone, maybe even a professional, reading, writing, immersing yourself in music, etc., can help people find that key. Francis uses the talking method. When he visits the school psychologist, Mr. Bergeron, he opens up about his feelings of guilt, to which Mr. Bergeron helps him look at in a different light (Chalifour 67). From there, Francis goes to a support group, which he refers to as the “Lost a Parent Club”. He continues the healing process by talking to a girl named Julia and learning her story (75).  The “grief attacks” start occurring less frequently and by the end of the book, he is able to carry on in life without feeling restricted by the death.

As Anne Roiphe said, “Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life.”