Accolades to the Oceanside Hospice Society for arranging an insightful evening seminar with expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt on the subject of grieving and mourning, which are distinctly different, healthy aspects of coming to terms with the loss of a loved one or even a cherished pet.
Wolfelt was well versed in the dynamics of what seems to be a culturally diminishing aspect of our humanity. Comfort zones can be challenged when faced with someone who is deeply affected by the death of someone close; sometimes unexpected and sudden, sometimes after a prolonged illness.
The attendees of Understanding Your Grief were well looked after by being informed of the complexity of the process of bereavement, which is different for everyone. I came away from those two hours enriched by Wolfelt’s graceful humour and grateful for his wealth of knowledge and experience.
He even let us know that his colleague Dr. Phil got it wrong recently and Wolfelt will be speaking to him, especially after receiving some 150 e-mails from viewers of the telecast.
In the old days, a person who was in mourning wore a black armband as a sign for others to be kind, show some respect and tenderness. In other cultures, the custom is to wear black clothing to signify someone who is bereaved and may need support and understanding.
Nowadays, 70 per cent of the population don’t really know their neighbours, and thus may not know what they may be going through on any given day.
Life is precious and remembering a lost love one is good and healthy.
Thank you Oceanside Hospice Society, your thoughtfulness enriched me.
Gord Byers
Parksville