1 post tagged “grief”

I heard from a friend today about sensing caring people's feelings without hearing their words.  This struck a nerve with me.  One very simple example occurred several months after Dickie went away.   I was in a store waiting to check out and a business acquaintance who knew both of us well walked by and nodded "hello" as she headed for the front door; there was a nod, but neither one of us said a word (I guess the uncomfortableness of expressing concern for my loss was too hard for her).  I somehow knew what she was thinking, but didn't say.  It was awkward for me, too.  She didn't want to open my wound and I really didn't want her to; but, at the same time, I did want people to remember the special guy that Dick was.  

.........after she passed me and headed to the door,  I suddenly realized that she had turned and was heading back toward me.  She hugged me (even though we had really never been close before)........ there wasn't a word spoken, the heart-to-heart connection said everything that could  be said.  She was with me in my grief.  I have many memories of friends, relatives, neighbors and work associates who were so very, very kind (and vocal) and they will always be special to me because of their support........ and that they remembered the extra special person that Dickie has always been.  Both ways of communicating got through and meant the world to me.

My reason for writing this entry is because I don't believe that some folks fully understand that heart-to-heart feelings really do  "get through".....and maybe even moreso than words!  It is hard, and uncomfortable, for us to express our support for those who have lost important people in their lives.  This experience was very special to me and taught me a valuable lesson for living!