Every Tuesday I volunteer at a local food pantry. Over the past two years I have become friends with many of the seniors who come during my shift. I use the word friend, but it’s a special kind of friendship. We exchange pleasantries and I listen to their stories, but I don’t share much of my life in return. However, they teach me compassionate ways to lead my life.
Yesterday, for example, I heard this Louise (not her real name): When someone is grieving, don’t ever tell them, “She’s in a better place.” Louise had just attended the funeral of young woman who had been killed in an automobile accident, leave two young children. This was another family tragedy that Louise had experience in the last two years—the deaths of two of her sons.
“You have to keep going, but it is tough. Just don’t tell me they are in a better place. Just be with me in the sadness.”
Yesterday, for example, I heard this Louise (not her real name): When someone is grieving, don’t ever tell them, “She’s in a better place.” Louise had just attended the funeral of young woman who had been killed in an automobile accident, leave two young children. This was another family tragedy that Louise had experience in the last two years—the deaths of two of her sons.
“You have to keep going, but it is tough. Just don’t tell me they are in a better place. Just be with me in the sadness.”
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