Grief Sneaks Up on You

This time of year, grief is most keenly felt, I think. All emotions are on the surface, for me anyway; how about you?

I was at the mall with my son yesterday. He's 17, and wanted to spend his money on gifts for his Dad and Brother...and his beloved little dog, Courage. While we were there, I stood to watch Santa Claus, in the photo area...a gentle old soul, if ever there was one. The emotions that came rushing in were overwhelming! There was a lot of grief, I can tell you that. Picking it apart, I find that it was grief over:

• My parents refusal to let me believe in Santa Claus as a child
• The fact that my sons are young adults now, and Christmas is forever different because of that!
• The deaths of my parents, with so much left unsaid
• My own aging - the child, Kim...seems so close at this time of year, even at 53, I can see "her" clearly, shining brightly behind my own eyes when I look in the mirror

How about you? Is grief your companion at this time of the year? If so, don't push it away. Embrace it. Write about it, sing about it...or sit quietly with it.

Wishing you a spirited, reflective, yet joyous close to 2007.

Love, joy and deep appreciation,

Kim

Winter and Loss

Oh, my heavens, it's cold here these days. I suspect there are much colder places in the world; but for me, 28 degrees is c-o-l-d!

On a rather different note, a dear friend of mine died on November 26th, after a brief illness. Actually, that offers the wrong image; he had been in declining health for years. We had him on hospice care for just one week - and then he was gone.

It was my priviledge to be with him at the end. I shall always treasure those hours we spent during his last three days. I was able to share with him what he meant to me, and we could "remember together" the activities, and conversations. Sweet, sweet time.

For those of you unfamiliar with hospice, please visit: http://www.hospicefoundation.org/.
I hope you can provide hospice care for those you love -remember it costs you, or the patient nothing to accept the loving service of hospice nurses, doctors, home health workers, and volunteers. There is also spiritual support, for those who seek it.

Wishing you all a wonderful close to the year. May you stay warm, be happy, and find joy in the prospect of the new year!

Love, joy and deep appreciation,

Kim