March 5, 2010

5 years

My job always seems to bring me into close quarters with people who are suffering with loss. Some are fresh losses and some are longstanding unresolved grief issues. For someone who has real trouble holding emotion in check this has been a challenge. In the span of three weeks two people I work with have tragically lost a child. THEIR CHILD....and at the same time are trying to remain sober and mentally healthy as well as in compliance during the most difficult time they might ever face. I am humbled on a daily basis, but especially on the days this past month that my people entrusted me with the details of their most raw and private event. Just as a firefighter runs toward a burning building....even though I know I don't do death and sadness well...I feel a real urge to reach out and offer a neutral and safe place for their expressions of feeling. After all...I know how hard it is to say goodbye. And I cannot believe it has been five years. I never tell people to give it time.

This helps..........

4 comments:

Nick said...

I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it would be to loose a child.
I reading your post about the death of your grandfather that was linked to this post, it brought tears to my eyes. I remembered almost the exact experience my family and i had with the death of my father in 2002, and the death of my mother in 2009.
I don't know if the doctors could have done anything different, or if natural medicine could have had any effect at all against their diseases. All I know for certain is that God had a hand in it all. And His hand can only bring good. For all that happens in our lives is for His good plan. And I have great faith and comfort in the fact that I will one day see my parents again...and walk with them hand in hand in paradise.

Cedar ... said...

Loosing a child or a grandchild is my worst nightmare. I'm glad you can give some comfort to your friends. No, time isn't the answer in so many cases.

catharus said...

You've got a most difficult job in walking with people through what I imagine to be some darkest valleys of their lives. You have a special calling in making yourself available to people who suffer in these ways. I can only wish you blessings in your sacred task...

Davielle aka Princess Magpie said...

Corin, I haven't visited your blog in what feels like ages, and this post made me .... sad; and yet, hopeful. Because with loving and compassionate individuals like you out there, we are all the better for it. And I believe that your compassion, your "heart" - and how you are THERE for others - makes you just that much more special. You're incredible. Hugs -- Davi