After The funeral :
When The Silence Sets In
Most people assume the hardest day of grief is the funeral. But often, it’s the days and weeks afterwards that feel the most painful.
For all who have stood in the quiet after a funeral — when the world moves on, but your heart still holds the weight of love and loss. You are not alone."
In the lead-up to the funeral, you may have been busy with arrangements — meeting with funeral directors, choosing flowers, sorting music, contacting friends and family. The shock of loss, and the fog that so often follows it, can sometimes dull the sharpest edges of pain. There is so much to do, and so little space to truly feel.
And then, suddenly, it is quiet. The phone stops ringing. Visitors drift back into their own routines. Everyone else seems to return to “normal life.” But for you, nothing feels normal.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Thomas Campbell
This is one of the most difficult and lonely stages of grief. You may find yourself thinking:
What now?
How do I carry on?
Does anyone remember that I’m still grieving?
It’s completely natural to feel lost after the funeral. The support that once surrounded you may feel like it has vanished, just when you need it most.
But here’s the truth: you are not alone. Many people experience this deep emptiness when the practical busyness ends. It does not mean you are weak, or doing grief “wrong.” It simply means you loved deeply — and love doesn’t end when the funeral does.
There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they are gone, the light remains. — Unknown
After the funeral, many people feel lost, lonely, and unsupported. Discover gentle guidance on coping with grief after the funeral, and where to find hope and support.
What can help during this time?
Allow space for your grief. There’s no timeline. You don’t have to “be okay” by anyone else’s schedule.
Reach out for support. A trusted friend, a grief group, or professional guidance can make a world of difference.
Gentle daily practices. Simple rituals — a walk, journalling, or tapping (EFT) — can help ease the weight and steady your heart.
Remembering is healing. Talking about your loved one, creating memory boxes, or noticing little signs of connection can bring comfort.
A closing thought
What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.— Helen Keller
When the silence sets in after the funeral, it can feel unbearable. But healing grows in those quiet moments too. You don’t have to walk this path alone — there are gentle ways forward, and people who care.
I’ll be sharing more soon about how to prepare before a funeral, and where to find support along the way. For now, please know: your grief is valid, your love matters, and you are not forgotten.
"Grief is the price we pay for love." — Queen Elizabeth II
With warmth,
Joanne