Whether a friendship spanned a lifetime or only a season, the bond was real, and so is the pain of its absence. Friends often hold a unique place in our lives — they are companions, confidants, and chosen family. Losing someone who shared in everyday moments, laughter, and memories leaves a space that cannot easily be filled. It can also be a grief that others sometimes overlook, making it hard to find the support you need.
There is heartache. But there is also hope. Grieving a friend means honoring the connection you shared while learning to carry their memory forward. It is an important step toward healing, and no one should feel alone in that journey.
Join our very own Dr. Mark Vande Braak on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 1 PM CT as he leads an online, educational grief support session to explore the unique loss associated with the death of a friend.
This offering is part of “Dr. Mark’s Grief Support Series,” a program of year-round educational grief/loss support provided by Lutheran Family Service. Each session will focus on a different area of loss as presented by Dr. Mark, an expert with more than 30 years of mental healthcare experience in death and trauma. This is a FREE series with no registration fee. If you would like to join this session on the loss of a friend, sign up below. Please share with anyone who may be grieving a loss of this kind.
