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Featured Article... More Than Words Can Say by Lori Pederson. When someone is grieving, the emotional pain can be so deep that it can be difficult for them to see the love and support that surrounds them. Today I share with you a personal note of gratitude that I sent a friend of mine many years ago. As my Thank You note demonstrates, all the big and small things you do for someone matters, even if they are unable to express their gratitude in the moment.

Be sure to visit our Twitter and Facebook sites during the month of February for special posts on how to assist a grieving loved one during Valentine's Day.

Virtual Book Tour...Be sure to check-out our Virtual Book Tour featuring interviews with authors that have written inspirational books on grief and the healing process.

Do you have an inspirational story you would like to share? We invite you to submit your inspirational stories, letters that have reached your heart, a favorite quote or poem, an unforgettable outing, or a book that touched your life. We would love to hear from you.

With Love and Gratitude,

Lori

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

Leo Buscaglia

Last year, The Note Project started a global movement to encourage millions to write Thank You notes to express their appreciation to those that have positively impacted their lives. When I learned of the Note Project, I began to go through my old letters and found a copy of a note I sent to a friend of mine after my mom passed away. It reminded me of how important friends and family are throughout the grieving process.

I decided to share my letter not only to express my gratitude but to also show what an impact you can have on the life of a friend that has lost a loved one.

"I wanted to send you a note to let you know how much I appreciate you and your friendship. Words seem too limited to express the love that our friendship demonstrates.

I can never thank you enough for being there when I truly needed you. From making phone calls, to bringing food, to the most important part - being there when I needed a friend to listen.

Thank you for taking the time to stand by me when I felt like I was going crazy. Thank you for checking up on me and seeing me through the hard days. You can't imagine how blessed I feel to know that I have such a wonderful friend.

Thank you again for the hundreds of things you have done and said to make my life a bit easier over the last few months. I can't imagine life without you!"

Love Lori

When someone is grieving, the emotional pain can be so deep that it can be difficult for them to see the love and support that surrounds them. At times your loved one may feel numb and it may look on the surface like what you are doing does not really matter. As my Thank You note demonstrates, all the big and small things you do for someone matter more than words can say.

I have been deeply blessed with loving family members and caring friends that were there for me throughout the grieving process. Their thoughtfulness inspired me to create the website www.IDidNotKnowWhatToSay.com, where we share resources and inspirational ways to support a grieving loved one. We invite you to share your story.

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. 
  H. Humphrey

�2012 Lori Pederson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Lori Pederson, Founder of I Did Not Know What To Say, a website created to inspire and to provide you with tools to assist a loved one through the grieving process. If you would like our free newsletter on how to assist your friends and family through the journey of restoring balance in their life after the death of a loved one, please visit our website at www.ididnotknowwhattosay.com.

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