Me Thinks

 

When someone dies, people sometimes think it is better not to talk about the death or the deceased person, but often the surviving family members appreciate talking about their loved one. If you have a memory of the loved one, or an experience you had with them, share it; vocalize it or write it down for the family. 

J. William Worden writes, "I sometimes ask a survivor, 'What do you miss about him' (pg. 41)?

Talk about the person who has died—who he was, what he was like, what the family member remembers about him, what they enjoyed doing together, and so on (pg. 68).

Considerable time is spent talking about the deceased, particularly about positive characteristics, qualities, and pleasant activities which the survivor enjoyed with the deceased" (pg. 68).  

"In the past, extended families were close and neighborhoods provided a cohesive bonding which helped people to cope with loss.  But now that sense of community may no longer exist to provide immediate support, nor is the extended family as available. Therefore, people turn to the health care system and the mental health system for support and for care that previously would have come from other sources" (pgs. 3,4).

This quote filled me with a desire to be there for people during a loss. It is disheartening that as a society we are becoming more isolated, more removed and aloof. A community of caring friends is needed  for every hurting individual.  We all take turns being the one who needs the care. Life is beautiful when we look out for each other.