Gerald Ford and James Brown: We Hardly Knew Ye
But aside from those who were personally involved with them, most Americans did not know, nor ever meet, either one of these larger-than-life individuals. And yet, we mourn them as if we had known them. What's going on here?
I will call it "The If Factor." In short, what goes through our minds and hearts when a famous person dies is: "if they could do it, so can I." Both President Ford and James Brown were "little people," just like you and me. Their roots were nothing special, neither one was born into wealth or guaranteed success, yet both of them became men who achieved personal fulfillment, and were revered by others for what they had accomplished. You and I look at them with longing, as if to say: why can't I do what they did? What is stopping me from rising up and becoming an influence in this world? Surely I have gifts and talents, as they did, so "if" they could change the word, so can I!"
So what do we really mourn? The fact that they died? Yes, and that is perfectly normal Their deaths are a loss to this country. But what else do we mourn? Do we mourn that we cannot rise to greatness like they did, that we are powerless to achieve because _________(you fill in the blank with why you think you're stuck)? If so, stop mourning and start living-remember, "if" they could do it, so can we!
Related Tags: success, grief, america, mourning, james brown, gerald ford, president ford
http://www.yourgriefmatters.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- What Really Matters?
Just over two years ago, my 22-year old son suddenly passed on, from a heart attack. Fortunately I w - Help Stop The Grief With Bereavement Or Sympathy Gifts
When tragedy strikes friends and family it can be hard to think of what you can do or say for them t - Important Tips For Managing The Holidays For The Bereaved
While grieving we go through many firsts as important dates come up on the calendar. Whether it's th - Facts About Suicide And Self Harm
People of all ages and from all walks of life die by suicide each year. Suicide in children and youn - Brighten Up Your Home With Our Winter Flowers
Flowers are the essence of every holiday and especially Christmas. People enjoy buying winter flower - A Widow's Many "firsts"
The left side of the bed where my husband used to sleep remains neatly made, hardly a ripple disturb - Sometimes You Need To Cry
I recall a period in time, at about 18 months after my husband passed away, that I felt pretty good - The Problem With The Rebound
One of the most common mistakes in a relationship is the rebound. For those of you who do not know w - How Gratitude Will Reduce The Pain Of Grief
"How can I be thankful for anything when I am mourning my deceased loved one? I can't begin to think - Five Best Ways To Develop Your Coping Skills
Does the grief you are experiencing seem to be relentless? Is there no end in sight? That feeling is
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Traumatic Events and Reality
Have you ever been pulled out of your sleepy state of denial into the cold reality of your life? W - Do We Need Friends?
Whenever we are in need of help the easiest thing is to ask for help … which is available at hand … - An Online Memorial: The Future of Remembrance
Headstones corrode, statues are weathered and plaques tarnish. Memorials in some shape or form have - Emotional Independence - Dependance
You are down in the dumps and looking around you find no one to talk to, leave alone a shoulder to c - For Widows Only -- Three Secret Things To Guide You
You're home now -- From the cemetery -- Just closed the door on an endless line of well-wishing-fill - Opening our Eyes (Parshas Devarim-Shabbos Chazon)
This Tisha B'Av, it will not be very hard to feel the pain. While many of us in former years may hav - For Widows Only -- 2 Tips To Help You Cope
If you are reading this then something terrible has happened. First let me offer my condolences. As - Growing Through Grief
Let's begin by taking you on a journey through Time. Time is like the envelope for your life. Your - Understanding The Myths Surrounding How We Deal With Loss
In our society we are all taught, at some level, what to do if someone gets hurt or sick. Isn't it f - Grief and Loss: The Secret to Surviving Life's Unexpected Storms
PHASE I: Acknowledge It If you bury an issue without dealing with it, it will eventually resurrect