BEREAVEMENT,
INDIVIDUALS’ REACTION TO

I subdue my grief as well as I can, but you know how tender, or rather soft, my mind is. Had not strong self-control been given me I could not have borne up so long.

John Calvin, after the death of his wife

My little daughter Elizabeth is dead. She has left me wonderfully sick at heart and almost womanish. I am so moved by pity for her. I could never have believed a father’s heart could be so tender for his child. Pray to God for me.

Martin Luther