Dear friends,
Recently, I have suffered a devastating loss. I am grieving, and I will probably need months and even years to recover from my mother's passing.
I wanted to let you know that I will cry from time to time. I don't apologize for my tears since they are not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. My tears are a gift for me to express the extent of my loss.
At times, I may be angry, irritable, or withdrawn for no apparent reason. Sometimes I'm not sure why I feel the way I do. All I know is that my emotions are intense because of my grief. If I don't always make sense to you, please be forgiving and patient with me.
More than anything, I need your understanding and your presence. You don't always have to respond. Your presence and a touch or hug lets me know you care. Please don't wait for me to call you since sometimes I am too emotional to do so. I need you to reach out to me.
If you have experienced a similar type of loss, please feel free to share it with me. It will help rather than cause me to feel worse. And don't stop sharing if I begin to cry. It's all right, and any tears you express as we talk are all right, too.
This loss is so painful, and right now it feels like the worst thing that ever could happen to me. But I will survive. I cling to that knowledge even though I have times when I don't believe it. I know that I will not always feel as I do now.
Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for listening. Your concern comforts me and is a gift for which I am thankful.
Sincerely,
Dawn
Adapted from a letter from Hospice Austin.
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