I am so conditioned to say "Fine, thanks and how 'bout you?" when people say "How are you?" I learned many moons ago that most people really don't want a litany of what's wrong in your life when they ask that question. It's merely a form of greeting. What I say in my mind when someone asks is "I'm knee deep in grief and inches from tears."
Should I mention that tears seem to come when I'm driving? I found that after my mother died that's when tears came too. It was on drives when I was alone in the car and some thought crossed my mind, and instantly the tears would come. Well, the tears are back. Luckily, I travel with lots of Kleenex.
How do people deal with grief? Today's paper has an interview with Joyce Carol Oates about how she dealt with the death of her husband. She said it was tiring. A friend who has outlived two husbands has said the same thing. Another friend suggested I start writing in a notebook, talking to Louise that way. Perhaps, I'll give it a try. Maybe even right here. Luckily no one reads this, so I am safe. And, if there is anyone reading this, you might try to stay away from me on the road, and know that when you ask how I'm doing, I'll likely say "Fine, thanks and you?" And what I'll really mean is "I'm knee deep in grief and inches from tears."
My prayers are with you. I am reaching out to women all over the world to connect to offer support and to combat injustices confronting women, girls and children. Please visit my website, Capacity Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women, girls and children locally and globally. I hope you will email me. I know one thing we need to offer to women is support and friendship when they suffer losses, it sounds like you have that, here is a hug for you, hang in there.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Sherry www.capacityinc.org