Death of a cherished loved one is one of the most difficult situations to endure. From the moment you learn about their passing, you may experience grief and mourning. The professional monument and gravestone makers at Derrick Monument Company Inc in Le Roy, NY, have helped families memorialize their loved ones for over a century. Below, they discuss what to expect during the grieving process.

Monument Team Explains the 5 Stages of Grief

1. Denial

Denying the sudden harsh reality of loss is the first step in the grieving process. You may refuse to believe your loved one is gone. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed and isolated. Denial is a defense mechanism that helps lessen the shock of losing someone by feeling numb to the emotions.

2. Anger

After the initial shock wears off, you may then experience anger. This intense emotion was previously blocked by denial and can be aimed at anyone or anything, including the deceased, your family, inanimate objects, and yourself. There are no limits to anger because it's masking a greater emotion: pain. 

3. Bargaining

Once your anger begins to simmer down, you may start asking “what if” questions and continuously think about what you could have done differently to spare your loved one from their fate and your pain. You may even bargain with a higher power during this time to move past the hurt. Guilt is often associated with this stage. 

4. Depression

Once you realize that bargaining will not bring your loved one back, depression may set in. Emptiness and intense sadness can seem never ending and cause you to withdraw from life. Though depression is typical during the grieving process, you may need to seek professional assistance if the experience becomes too much to handle or doesn’t improve.

5. Acceptance

Many people believe that the acceptance stage means you are okay with the death of a loved one, but that’s not the case. You will never stop missing or loving your deceased friend or relative. However, you will grow to accept and live with the reality that their physical presence is no longer with you. 

Memorializing loved ones through a specially designed monument is one of the best ways to honor their lives. The respectful and talented headstone specialists at Derrick Monument Company have been creating beautiful grave markers for generations. They offer everything from gorgeous marble markers to monument repair and restoration. To learn more about their services and products, call (585) 768-8470 or visit them online today.