Hi Carriek, Caron and Nanalovesu:
The messages Nanalovesu contributed here go to show us that we are part of a very special virtual community where we can openly share our feelings and fears, our thoughts and experiences, our advice and information, and very importantly our support and empathy for one another.
Perhaps, as Tian once said in another thread, listening is the skill most needed at end of life. Listening has deep value and it makes a difference to the person to whom we are listening. We can listen even when words fail to express feelings. We can listen to the silence and to the tears as they are sometimes the most powerful communication of sorrow. Listening has the potential to comfort the person dying and their loved ones. The fact that someone in the world is listening to us is the most important thing about our virtual connection. I am listening. We are listening.
As difficult as life is especially for those courageously facing its end or those watching loved ones do so, there is hope that we will learn how to cope with death - eventually.
Acceptance is a long and painful process and no person arrives at it precisely the same way and there is no specific time frame for it to happen. I am thinking of everyone here in this thread and on our Virtual Hospice discussion forum this morning and reminding you all how deeply I respect and care about you.
We hear you. We feel your sadness and remain in awe of your resilience and the hope your give to others. You are not alone.
With affection,
-Hugs- xo
Cath1