Jordan, Zach, and Helena are now in their 50s and have oneremaining living parent, Dean. Their mother, Leigh, passed away 10months ago unexpectedly from a stroke. Their dad was diagnosed withStage 4 colon cancer that metastasized to the liver just threemonths ago, and Dean is on a rapid decline. The siblings are all indifferent stages of grief and all have different relationships withtheir father. Helena (the youngest) never forgave Dean for hismidlife behavior, although Dean and Leigh did not divorce andseemed to form a stronger relationship after Dean’s midlife issueswere resolved with time and counseling. Zach was the middle childand always felt like the middle child; he was very close with hismother and is still deep in grief over losing her so recently andso suddenly. Jordan was extremely close with his father andconsidered him his best friend. Dean is very anxious and afraid ofdying; however, he does claim that he is eager to reunite with thelove of his life—Leigh.
What type of grief reactions are Jordan, Zach, and Helenaexperiencing? Explain the reaction types you selected tocharacterize each. Which sibling do you feel is going to have thehardest time recovering emotionally from these losses and why?
