Grief is often associated with the loss of a life. However grief can also be thought of as a significant emotion that can accompany a change in perception, a change of roles, or the loss of something sacred. As with all types of loss, the emotion of grief can be experienced as a process that can include: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Although each individual may grieve differently, grief is an important emotional state that when honestly felt can bring about hope, resiliency, and life-affirming coping responses.