Mission: The Luna Projects
Our mission is not just to inform, it’s to humanize. To say: “You are not alone. Your healing matters. Your story deserves space.” You’re building a platform that reflects the complexity of mental health, the diversity of healing paths, and the power of creative advocacy.
Grief Support: Honoring All Forms of Loss
Types of Grief
Grief is not limited to death. It can arise from:
- Loss of a pet (fur-baby): Deep emotional bonds, often underestimated by others.
- Death of a loved one: Family, friends, chosen family—each relationship carries its own weight.
- End of relationships: Divorce, breakups, estrangement.
- Job loss or financial instability: Identity, security, and routine are disrupted.
- Loss of self: Illness, trauma, aging, or identity shifts can feel like losing who you once were.
Each form of grief is valid. Each deserves space.
How Long Does Grief Last?
- There is no timeline. Grief is not linear.
- It may come in waves, resurface unexpectedly, or evolve over the years.
- Rushing someone through grief can cause harm. Healing requires patience, presence, and permission.
How to Support Someone Who’s Grieving
- Listen without fixing: “I’m here with you” is more powerful than “You’ll feel better soon.”
- Validate their pain: “That sounds incredibly hard. I’m so sorry.”
- Offer practical help: Meals, errands, childcare, or just sitting in silence.
- Avoid clichés: “Everything happens for a reason” can feel dismissive.
- Ask what they need: “Would you like company, or space?”
Thoughtful Gifts for Grievers
- Personalized memory boxes or journals
- Weighted blankets or comfort items
- Books on grief (see below)
- Donations in honor of their loved one
- Art or poetry that reflects their experience
Grief Books That Truly Help
Here are some therapist-recommended and visually accessible titles:
| Title | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Only Gone From Your Sight: Jack McAfghan’s Little Guide to Pet Loss and Grief Jack McAfghan: Reflections on Life with My Master Pawprints from Heaven Jack McAfghan: Return from Rainbow Bridge Jack McAfghan’s The Lizard from Rainbow Bridge: A True Tale of an Animal Spirit Angel It’s Not Putting Me Down It’s Lifting Me Up | Kate McGahan | Pet loss, signs from the afterlife, coping with putting down your pet. For me personally (Erica) this series was easy to read, loving, supportive and helps for coping. |
| Welcome to the Grief Club | Janine Kwoh | Visual learners, early grief, gentle humor |
| I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye | Brook Noel & Pamela D. Blair | Sudden loss, coping strategies |
| Surviving the Death of a Sibling | T.J. Wray | Unacknowledged grief of sibling loss |
| Surviving the Holidays Without You | Gary Roe | Grieving during seasonal milestones |
| It’s OK That You’re Not OK | Megan Devine | Validating grief in a culture that rushes healing |
You can explore more curated grief books at For Grief’s Bookshop or Choosing Therapy’s grief book list.
Where to Find Support
- Online communities: OptionB, Grief.com, HealGrief (National Grief resources)
- Pet loss support: Angel Paws, Rainbow Bridge forums, GriefShare (Global Grief Support Groups)
- Local grief groups: Hospice centers, churches, trauma-informed therapists
- Crisis lines: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US)
What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say
- “I don’t have the right words, but I’m here.”
- “I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of you.”
- “Would it help to talk, or would you prefer quiet company?”
- “I’m not sure what to say, but I care deeply.”
Would you like help turning this into a visual grief support page or downloadable resource for The Luna Projects? We include gallery views, quote cards, or even a “Grief & Empowerment Kit” section with customizable support tools.