As a teenager, I remember vividly hearing my parents on the phone following the notification of someone’s death. A quiet pall fell over the house, and whispers ensued. Someone they knew was suddenly gone, and I surmised their feeling of mortality became a reflecting point.
But I didn’t get it. I was just too young to really understand.
Now I’ve reached the age where the news of losing someone within my sphere shakes me to my core. I know, intellectually, that day will arrive for us all; but emotionally, it’s like being plunged into ice water.
How to react?
What to say?
What to do?
How to feel?
Perhaps some navigate this with more understanding, more awareness and more grace. For me, my soul aches for each hardship and loss. It also reminds me to actively push my introverted self to engage more with those I love.
We just don’t know for how long we have each other.
