When we approach weighty topics such as death, loss, and grief, anxious questions tend to crowd our thoughts: how do I respond to grief when it impacts not only every part of the school day but also my wider community? What happens if grief and loss belong not only to my students but to me as a professional? What if one of my students dies? What if I do or say the wrong thing?....The “what if” questions seem to take on a life of their own in the aftermath or even the fear of loss. In this session we will be unpacking gentle yet honest ways to communicate about grief as well as practical strategies for serving and connecting in a space of grief to best support your students, your community, your colleagues, and yourself. Whether you are a seasoned educator or new to the profession, grief is a topic to grapple with for the sake of your students and for yourself as a human in a world where love is often hard work.