Over the last year, my family has had two significant bereavements. I lost my grandfather—who was a hero to his four grandsons—and my husband lost his grandmother, whom he adored. 

I came to Christian Science three years ago. As a result, I knew that our beloved family members had never truly died but simply moved on to a new experience of life. It is reassuring to know that nobody is ever outside of God’s all-encompassing care, but when we are in those moments of grief, it still hurts.

Something I frequently heard my family—none of whom are Christian Scientists—say during our most challenging moments was the simple refrain “Grief is the price we pay for love.” This brought comfort to some but didn’t sit well with me. How could love have such a price?