How to Love a Grieving Friend | Episode 106 with Anna Bulfin & Anna Barret

PodcastGriefFriends / Family

Jan 28

Written By Ashlee Proffitt

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Episode 106

This week we are talking all about what it looks like to love a friend that is grieving the loss of a baby. For this interview I get to chat with two friends, Anna and Anna. I thought it would be helpful to not only get the perspective of a mom who has experienced loss but also of her friend -- to have the conversation with them both at the same time about what it looked like to love a grieving friend amidst grief as well as what it looks like to be the grieving friend receiving the support.

Both women have experienced loss, between them they have experienced two pregnancy losses and one infant loss -- so their perspective is unique and full of empathy and tenderness. We talked about the biggest challenges facing relationships when one person is grieving, we talked about what it looks like practically to step into the mess that is friendship and grief, we talk about the value of checking in again and again and again, we talk about helpful things to say and do as well as things that are not so helpful and words that might be hurtful.

And if you are listening as someone who says “but I feel forgotten by my friends and family.” or “that’s great for them but i don’t have a friend like that who cares like that”, keep listening because we address that too.

This episode is so encouraging as it reminds us that it is the simplest efforts like a call or a text or a mug full of hershey kisses matter so much. That loving someone who is hurting does not have to look like grand gestures but rather an imperfect showing up that is consistent and prayerful and thoughtful has the potential to bring so much comfort to a grieving mom.

I pray this episode encourages you to step into the messiness of friendship after loss as it reminds you that it is absolutely worth it.

meet anna

I am a licensed K-12 School Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, working full-time at the high school level where I am passionate about advocacy in mental health for the next generation. I am also actively involved at my local church, the home of our wonderful community that held us up during our loss and still does to this day. I am married to my best friend, David, a mom to two babies in heaven, and love to be outside in nature, read, travel (when there's not a pandemic of course), spend time with friends, bake, have a good cup of coffee, and pet every dog I possibly can.