on grieving

[wendy_waring]

A friend of mine died of cancer this week. Paul was a buddy from Clarion, a well-loved writer and friend.

Others have paid tribute to him eloquently.  I can't do better.
The small things that were just us, as friends, I'm still holding to myself.

So instead let me speak to you of some things I know about grieving. It's where I am right now.

One:

Comments

[karenmiller]

Beautifully said, and very wise.

[wendy_waring]

Thanks, Karen. To be honest, I could do with a little less getting of wisdom.

[chrisbarnes]

A fine post, Wendy, and good advice. I know what you mean about less getting of wisdom. They say you never stop learning lessons along life's journey, but sometimes the lessons come a bit too thick and fast!

[wendy_waring]

Thanks, Chris. It's funny, you know, I started out meaning just to testify, but I end up delivering a lecture. It's the inner schoolmarm in me, she just won't be stifled.

Thick and fast, indeed. I wonder, if this isn't the worst part of aging - not the bad eyes, wonky knees, or the way young people's eyes glide by when you're talking - it's pace of departures picking up speed. Sorry, that came out a little baldly, but you know, there it is. Anyways, I guess we can be forgiven for a little moroseness these days.

[eneit]

Beautifully, and truthfully said, although I'll add to the first, even if you've been praying for the truck to hit, for years, you're still not prepared.

[wendy_waring]

It can be like that, can't it? And it's still a bloody big truck, isn't it? And then there'd be that guilt bulldozer that comes behind straight afterwards.

[eneit]

yes it can, and yes it is. And the bulldozer is a really mean one. *g*

[benpayne]

Well said Wendy. *hug*

[wendy_waring]

hugging right back.

[anonymous]

This is lovely Wendy. Today would have been my Dad's 83rd birthday. He died 15 years ago. It's hard to imagine him gone that long. Your Dad went not long after...He died February 17, 1997. I miss him every day (as I miss Betty, Dan and our beloved Kelly) and all the others who have left us: Auntie Phyllis, Auntie Marj, my beautiful mother-in-law - Netty, Tanta Joanna ...too many.

[wendy_waring]

Thanks, Lee. Too many is so right. Way too many.