Thank you Cathy for sharing this tender time with your readers. You communicate so beautifully, not only the encounters, but your own surprise, bewilderment and grief at this death and the fragility of our lives. I am grateful that you have the gifts to be there with others and that the listening becomes a comfort to you too. I hope you feel heard and cared for in these warm responses. Be well.
Thank you, Leslie - I do feel so very supported in this community, and I am so happy you are one of those dear members!
I hadn’t thought about listening being a comfort to me, and I think you are correct. It’s an action I can take to be of help to another - and it is comforting to be able to “do” something.
Cathy, I cried reading this piece. Your grief and the grief of your neighbors came through your words, but also the need for compassion in such painful times. I'm so touched by how you are all there for each other.
A week after the accident, many of us still stop each other to share a quiet moment together. Tragedy can be a catalyst to bring people together. I feel very fortunate to live in a building filled with people who took that opportunity.
Oh, Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about this tragic loss. And thank you for sharing your reflections at the end. Life is fragile and precious, and while we intellectually know this, we sometimes act in ways that take it for granted. I also appreciate your reminder that we often don't have the words when something awful befalls another, yet actively listening with empathy can and will be received.
Thank you, Paulette - even a week later, we are all still processing this tragedy. Well said that life is "fragile and precious." It would be nice to have a more gentle reminder - or not need to be reminded at all....
As you write in this poignant piece, surprise losses like these are very hard. Not only do they remind us of the fragility of life but they emphasize the importance of staying “current” with care. I have become comfortable with the steady presence of those around me. Today I will reach out and express my appreciation for what they mean to me.
You are always an inspiration, Mark! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your resolve. It is always a pleasure to read what you have to say, and I so appreciate that - and I so appreciate you!
Such a sad tale. Sympathy for all who feel the loss. People always say things happen but …a business friend of ours fell off the roof of a furniture store building he owned because he wanted to do it himself. He died. That was 10 years ago. Stories like these shake our fragile realities. Stay safe, be well.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending love and light.
Thank you, Bridget - we continue to try to make sense of it all together, and that helps.
Thank you Cathy for sharing this tender time with your readers. You communicate so beautifully, not only the encounters, but your own surprise, bewilderment and grief at this death and the fragility of our lives. I am grateful that you have the gifts to be there with others and that the listening becomes a comfort to you too. I hope you feel heard and cared for in these warm responses. Be well.
Thank you, Leslie - I do feel so very supported in this community, and I am so happy you are one of those dear members!
I hadn’t thought about listening being a comfort to me, and I think you are correct. It’s an action I can take to be of help to another - and it is comforting to be able to “do” something.
Thanks again!
Cathy, I cried reading this piece. Your grief and the grief of your neighbors came through your words, but also the need for compassion in such painful times. I'm so touched by how you are all there for each other.
I am so sorry I brought you to tears, Sandra!
A week after the accident, many of us still stop each other to share a quiet moment together. Tragedy can be a catalyst to bring people together. I feel very fortunate to live in a building filled with people who took that opportunity.
Cathy, that’s okay. I cry easily, and it felt heart-opening.
Heart-opening - I love that!!
Oh, Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about this tragic loss. And thank you for sharing your reflections at the end. Life is fragile and precious, and while we intellectually know this, we sometimes act in ways that take it for granted. I also appreciate your reminder that we often don't have the words when something awful befalls another, yet actively listening with empathy can and will be received.
Thank you, Paulette - even a week later, we are all still processing this tragedy. Well said that life is "fragile and precious." It would be nice to have a more gentle reminder - or not need to be reminded at all....
Oh my gosh!!! How horrible for the tenants, his coworkers and his family.
We all know that life is short and things can change in a moment.
My thoughts go out to the family and friends who will take awhile to process this tragic news.
We all have to take time for one another as people.
Thank you for your warm and caring thoughts as we continue to process the unthinkable. So well said - we have to take time for each other. 💕
This spoke to me for many reasons. Thank you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Rena. I am happy to know this resonated with you.
As you write in this poignant piece, surprise losses like these are very hard. Not only do they remind us of the fragility of life but they emphasize the importance of staying “current” with care. I have become comfortable with the steady presence of those around me. Today I will reach out and express my appreciation for what they mean to me.
You are always an inspiration, Mark! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your resolve. It is always a pleasure to read what you have to say, and I so appreciate that - and I so appreciate you!
Such a sad tale. Sympathy for all who feel the loss. People always say things happen but …a business friend of ours fell off the roof of a furniture store building he owned because he wanted to do it himself. He died. That was 10 years ago. Stories like these shake our fragile realities. Stay safe, be well.
Best wishes from Phyllis and Peter
Fell off the roof?! Oh my, I am so sorry!! Time may soften the pain, but I question if it can always heal.
Thank you both for adding your experience to this post. I think of you often, and always with the biggest of smiles! 💕