Model Marriage by Bishop Dag Heward Mills

(Darren Dugan) #1

Chapter 59


The Loss of a Spouse


The Loss of a Spouse through Death


The death of a spouse has been assessed to be the highest level of trauma. It is followed in
second place by divorce. The sorrow that grips you on the loss of a spouse can drive you to your
own death if you do not come out of that sorrowful state quickly.^1


8 Stages



  1. Shock––The unexpected has happened. I never dreamt this would
    happen to me. I am helpless.

  2. Denial––This is not really happening to me. I am sure it is simply a
    bad dream that will soon pass.

  3. Fear––What will become of me? Is my life over? How will I cope?

  4. Guilt––It is my fault. Maybe there was something I could have done
    to prevent this from happening.

  5. Hurt/pain––I ache, my heart bleeds.

  6. Anger––Why me? Why did I have to lose my husband? How could
    God have allowed this to happen to me?

  7. Acceptance––So be it. What has happened has happened. I will face it.

Free download pdf