Day 1240

Sometimes, grief has to take its own course. Gus and I were witness to that this morning at Mercy Hospital.

We had arrived at the Main Entrance and were visiting with staff and volunteers. Suddenly, I realized that an unusual group had entered and the area around them became a circle of respectful silence. Administrators and a County Sheriff stood amongst visceral sorrow. There I stood with a Therapy Dog, but this grief went far beyond anything Gus and I could offer. I had never witnessed such raw heartache in person and we simply stood with tears in our eyes. They had lost a loved one to a car accident and their journey of sorrow was just beginning. Comfort was not to be…

Everyone experiences grief in their lifetime. Nobody escapes it, so there is an empathetic response when you see it along with an understanding of what might be offered and accepted…and when. I always try to err on the side of love and kindness, but there are times when giving space is the best course.

No matter what the need, never be afraid to offer your heart when the time is right. It may be a gentle hug, perhaps a quick promise to be there when needed or even taking a step back to wait for the right moment.

Today, as much as I wanted to move in with my beautiful boy, I knew it would not assuage their grief in the slightest and might have even been invasive. Hoping that sweet family finds love, support and hope on their most challenging path. We will certainly be sending our own love and strength their way.