I have the right to live my life “guilt-free”
I have the right to feel my emotions, at the time they occur,
as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others

I have the right to peace, because I have suffered enough

I have the right to the truth – not to “have my feelings shared”
whether it is family or others involved

I have the right to talk about the death and circumstances surrounding it,
when necessary

I have the right to feel devastated – because I am

I have the right to feel angry – as long as that anger IS NOT all consuming
or harmful to myself or others

I have the right to take the time to grieve

I have the right to take the time to fully recover and heal

I have the right to feel hopeful in future endeavors,
although there may be “bleak” days ahead

I have the right to NOT feel responsible for my loved one’s death

I have the right to go on

I have the right to a new beginning in my life

I have the right to love and be loved again

I have the right to BE.

Shar Joyce, Survivor of a Suicide Loss, South Bend, IND
From: The Ultimate Rejection, September 1984.