I recall many generous commitments people made as they called to offer their condolences. I remain grateful for all the sentiments and the comments and I am especially grateful for those that continue to check on our well being.

No surprise there are others that I haven’t heard from since then. The only ones that are surprising are those that go into details of the things they would do to help us as we cope with the loss of David and were never to be heard from again.

The one I find most striking was the social worker with the hospice care. She and the nurse were at home with us on that fateful day. Part of the service they provide is bereavement support. Something the social worker seemed very sincere about as she said she would check on me and the kids regularly to see how we are coping and ensure access to services needed to cope with grief. I have not heard from her or the nurse since then.

As I reflect on her absence despite what seemed like a genuine interest in me and the kids at that time. I believe that since people struggle to find the right things to say to someone who has lost a loved one, the alternative is to offer their kindness/commitment. I still do not know what to say to others who have lost a loved one but I am mindful of not making commitments that I cannot keep.

Seeing that the social worker in a profession of dealing with loss and grief did not follow through, it is certainly understandable that it would be much more difficult for others in general to follow through with commitments they make as they try to comfort someone dealing with the loss of a love one.

I have to say that I am truly lucky to have an amazing family, great friends, and a wonderful community that is helping us cope. Some of these people I got to know as a result of David’s passing and I am so touched by their kindness. Thanks for dealing with me, thank you for your care and support.