Grief

I am knee-deep in my capstone paper for the advanced certificate in the supervision of spiritual directors program I am in. The topic - grief. 
Yet, intellectually talking about how to accompany those in grief and those walking with those in grief touches us in a different way when we are in our own season of loss.
A week ago, I was at the beach. For Christmas this year, I surprised my family with a brick on the new walkway through the town we usually stay with in honor of my grandpa. This beach was a special place for Pap because of the memories he had there with us. Seeing my family stand around his brick was both healing and had grief washing over me anew. 
While we were away we also received word that one of the giants of faith in my life passed away. My uncle was a man who taught me about loving Jesus and community. Another wave of grief. 
Perhaps more than any other time in our lives, we need faithful companions when we are navigating the long-hull of grief. Who are those people for you and what makes them your companion on the journey?