Part of the hospice Social Work role is to call the family a day or two after the death to see how they are coping. I called “Hillary” this morning to check in and offer condolences and support. Her words were so beautiful as she expressed them from her heart. She told her truth which will help her process her deep grief.
Hospice’s bereavement department follows up for 13 months with counseling and support groups which are in person or over Zoom. Hillary spoke of joining one of our support groups. Because she is reaching out for support that will help her, I know, in time, she will be okay. But then, will have moments of sadness. In the end, that is what grief truly is.
GRIEF
Grief is a jagged emotion.
It quickly spins up, down and sideways.
Then, from out of nowhere, unannounced,
will suddenly pierce our hearts.
Her wife of thirty years died quickly.
She was on hospice less than one day.
When asked how she is coping, she said,
“I’m taking one day at a time.”
“I’m letting my emotions
be what they need to be.
Then I will cuddle my cat.
I have five!”
She expressed her emotions so beautifully
as, quite often, it is hard to find the words.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Whatever one feels is called normal.
She so remarkably spoke from her heart
by expressing her emotions so precisely.
Not surprisingly, I will always softly remember
her final words to me.
“Grief is love
with nowhere to go”.
