A DEEP LOSS

Over the past several years, our hospice has been growing rapidly. We have added a Palliative Care Program along with an Adult Day Care program. During the course of this expansion, our manager was given more and more responsibility. She was doing work that was more than one person could easily complete.

One could tell she was stressed at times due to the high demands she had on her plate, but she always would state such love and appreciation for all that we would do. In addition to adding other elements to our hospice and palliative care program, the caseload has increased, which has impacted all of us.

She took a leave from work a few weeks ago. It was probably the best thing she could have done to take care of herself. Hopefully it gave her time to reflect and process what was happening in her life. Yesterday, she let us all know that she was leaving. I wish her the best in her new position. We all will continue to stay in touch with her as, along with being our manager, she also is a true friend.

Grief comes with any type of loss. Yes death is loss, but it can appear in so many other ways. Maybe in time, she can laugh about all of this and realize it was the best thing that happened as it directed her to where she needed to go. I wish her all the best.


A DEEP LOSS　

I spoke with her a week ago.
She told me she was looking.
Looking for a fresh position; a new change,
hoping to find where she totally belongs.

She informed us all yesterday
that she wouldn't be coming back.
It was shocking; although I wasn't surprised.
I so wish her absolute happiness.

She was an amazing manager.
She always appreciated everything we all did.
Unconditionally while strongly valuing us
just for walking through the office's front door.

She had so much on her plate.
Enough responsibility for more than two.
She never complained, but worked so hard,
while supporting us all through and through.

Strong sadness has engulfed all of us.
We all are grieving; expressing our pain.
But, in the end, it may be the best for her.
One has to experience down at times to appreciate up.

I hope she finds her way.
We all wish her the very best.
But in the end, for all of us it still is such
          A deep loss. Such a deep loss.