Riffing on the dried-flower idea (so practical!!): one of my mom's friends sent her a 3D, pop-out paper bouquet when she went into hospice. It shipped flat, was zero-fuss, and stayed bright and beautiful like the dried option—also, it was a total delight to open!
this is so beautiful and heartening as someone whose experience of grief was quite lonely and isolating - to see the community care involved and encouraged is so encouraging 🩷
I agree with every single suggestion here. You two have outdone yourselves—this is the resource I wish I'd had years ago, when I was 100% clueless about offering support to grieving friends. And it reads as a beautiful tribute to your friend Margie, and to Tallu's memory.
On the point about being "close enough" to offer support: yes, this. I was *especially* touched when acquaintances I didn't know well reached out during my own tough time. It forged special connections that I'll never forget.
Incredible advice, after losing my best friend last December, I learned the reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not "get over" the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.
This newsletter made me tear up so many different times. I especially loved what you said about never regretting it when you do reach out to the grieving person who you're not sure you should. Such an important reminder as I too h e played the "are we close enough" game many times as well.
Aw, thanks so much Caroline. Noticing that pattern within myself -- while it should've been obvious -- actually felt like an enormous 'aha!' moment. Hope you're having a happy, good food-filled holidays!
I can’t tell you how much just reading this helped me. My mom also has a grade 4 glioblastoma, and we just got the news it’s growing again. She hasn’t decided what to do yet, but these were really helpful reminders and recommendations for how I can support her and my stepdad, and how I can communicate to my own support system what I’m going to need in the coming months.
Oh goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. I hope you have folks who will surround you with love and support -- it absolutely sounds like you do. Sending love!
A lot of good advice here—I’ve never thought to send dried flowers!
Thanks so much, Leigh! I’ve never mailed them, but there must be ways to do it 💐
Riffing on the dried-flower idea (so practical!!): one of my mom's friends sent her a 3D, pop-out paper bouquet when she went into hospice. It shipped flat, was zero-fuss, and stayed bright and beautiful like the dried option—also, it was a total delight to open!
That’s beautiful!
this is so beautiful and heartening as someone whose experience of grief was quite lonely and isolating - to see the community care involved and encouraged is so encouraging 🩷
💔 It’s everything! Thank you for sharing.
I agree with every single suggestion here. You two have outdone yourselves—this is the resource I wish I'd had years ago, when I was 100% clueless about offering support to grieving friends. And it reads as a beautiful tribute to your friend Margie, and to Tallu's memory.
On the point about being "close enough" to offer support: yes, this. I was *especially* touched when acquaintances I didn't know well reached out during my own tough time. It forged special connections that I'll never forget.
Aw, thank you, Maddie 💛 that’s such an important and powerful point on the special bond and connections that can be forged through grief.
Incredible advice, after losing my best friend last December, I learned the reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not "get over" the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.
Oh no, I’m so sorry for your loss, Pach. Thank you for sharing these thoughtful words!
This newsletter made me tear up so many different times. I especially loved what you said about never regretting it when you do reach out to the grieving person who you're not sure you should. Such an important reminder as I too h e played the "are we close enough" game many times as well.
Aw, thanks so much Caroline. Noticing that pattern within myself -- while it should've been obvious -- actually felt like an enormous 'aha!' moment. Hope you're having a happy, good food-filled holidays!
I can’t tell you how much just reading this helped me. My mom also has a grade 4 glioblastoma, and we just got the news it’s growing again. She hasn’t decided what to do yet, but these were really helpful reminders and recommendations for how I can support her and my stepdad, and how I can communicate to my own support system what I’m going to need in the coming months.
Oh goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. I hope you have folks who will surround you with love and support -- it absolutely sounds like you do. Sending love!
Gorgeous post, great advice <3
Thank you so much, Jillian!
Love this! ♥️
Aw, thanks so much Emma! Happy holidays 💛
Love all this! Thank you for including me :)
We’re so grateful to you for sharing!
I loved this piece, and it’s especially well timed as I’m doing my best to help a friend through grief. Thank you ❤️
Ah, thank you. Just from your words, I’m sure you’re showing up in ways that your friend is incredibly grateful for 💛
this was beautiful ♥️
Thanks, Kaela 🥹