Dear readers,
Several weeks ago I published a letter from a reader who was anticipating the deaths of two beloved people in their life.
I received two very kind responses to that letter that I want to share with you.
Hi Lizzy,
Your advice to the woman who is dealing with terminal prognoses is very helpful and thoughtful and well written, as always. I especially liked your reminder that they are still here right now, and that doom hasn’t arrived yet, and not to squander a moment of time with them, which is great advice for all of us.
Thank you, D
Dear Lizzy,
Thank you for your supportive response to the woman who is living through hell as she prepares for the deaths of her sister and husband.
Although different, I also experienced the terminal illnesses of my brother and husband and, later my beloved daughter. What helped me was connecting with an experienced grief counselor during their illnesses as well as after. Anticipating multiple losses of beloved family members requires so much energy and having a safe place to unload those feelings and some good direction as to HOW to stay present as you suggested. There are many good authors that may be helpful – I like Claire Bidwell Smith. Please let her know that I am sending her a virtual hug and as much support and positive energy as possible. Grateful for your good advice!
H
I also got a response from the letter writer, which doesn’t often happen but is such a special thing.
Dear Lizzy,
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it.
I am going to do what you have suggested with both the breathing and a therapist plus spending as much time making memories which I can have when they have gone.
Thank you again. Kind regards,
Brokenhearted
I love to get responses to my responses, so please feel free to send me your thoughts. Thank you so much for reading!
Lizzy
Have a burning question? Send me an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker! Or, if you want to ask me a question with total anonymity, use this Google form.