When We Lose A Loved One - A Brief Moment of Reflection

I received a very inspirational email today from a dear friend and consummate advocate, Jack Levine of Advocacy Resources. His email stated the following, "While every one of us has our own life experiences through which we've grown and changed, there are few events in our lives that have more direct impact than the loss of a loved one.... a family member, friend, or colleague who has touched our life in special ways. This is especially true when the death occurs in an instant or at a distance, and we do not have the opportunity to express what we really feel about them".

I was so moved by his words that I instructed our nurse to go to my client's bedside and to place a call to his son so that he could speak with his dad. The call was placed, the words were said, his dad passed on to the next life tonight shortly after midnight.

What is the lesson we learn in saying farewell to beloved friends and family members?

First, let’s resolve to express our feelings for others when they are here to hear us. Sharing our thoughts about their importance to us is an everyday opportunity, not to be missed or forgotten. Make that call, send that card and letter, and share that moment of respect and recognition.

Second, let’s appreciate the power we draw from those who set great examples by their actions for good, their commitments to causes we care about, and their effectiveness which brings results.

Finally, let’s admit that life is 100-percent fatal. While we may believe in a spiritual forever, the reality of life’s limitations requires us to make the most of who we are and what affect we have on others.

I would like to thank this inspirational counselor, advocate, coach, and now friend for showing me what is really important in this work we do as advocates. I would like to thank my client for his love-ability which he shared with all of us at our elder care management company. I would also like to share my respect for this client's son and family who so honored their dad, father in law, and granddad with their devotion to his welfare. He will be missed.
olga@agooddaughter.com