9 Comments

So well said Kathleen. I am always suprised by people's response when I say "My son will likely die" they respond with "Don't give up hope." The reality is that he is likely going to die. I will lose another child because, as you say, the system has failed him. I am not preparing for his death, simply living in full awareness of the reality. Of course this is sad but it makes me love more freely and more fiercely. That is what keeps me hoping. Let's all start talking more about death,grief and love. They are all beautifully and heartbreakingly intertwined.

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Big LOVE=Big LOSS

But you get it- and I appreciate the way in which you have held me. Thank you for that.

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I am so grateful right now .. I was just checking out substack and landed right here… 4 minutes later I’m weeping .. everyone here, I’m so sorry for your suffering. I cannot manage my own and want to learn how to .. navigate … to a place where I may have something to contribute. I’ve withdrawn into total isolation - I care for a toddler a few hours a week and the remainder of my hours I am closed in my room, lost since 2017. Lost-thank you for the grace and candor .. it’s .. hard for me to even engage .. I want to learn to not be a drain .. to regain any semblance of purpose or service.. anyhoo.. bless you all!

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I'm so sorry, Kathleen, I had no idea. I'm going to email you because I'd like to send you a copy of my book on grief. You've done so much to help others.I hope that you're getting the support you need.

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Thank you!❤️

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Kathleen, this touched my heart and soul in a deep way and I have often contemplated grief Similarly. As you said, we are all going to experience it 100% of us so why are we so uncomfortable being around those going through grief? My personal grief of losing my mother and father and the anticipatory grief that I experience with my son who uses substances problematically has made me aware of the grief of others trying diligently to come up with the right words which sometimes there just are none. Thank you for bringing this topic up and let’s talk about it. Let’s all talk it In the deep sorrow and pain that occurs with deep loss. I commend you for bringing this up. I cannot truly imagine the pain that you have and are still enduring the loss of your beloved Joe. I love you And hope and pray that we can meet in person one day. Thank you for being you. ❤️🙏

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Thanks beautiful mama. Appreciate you❤️💔❤️

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I wrote in messanger because this didn’t work at first , I’ll say it again here , I’m so sorry for the pain of losing your husband . Your article on our grief , on all grief is so very good. 💜Chris Dobbs

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Thanks❤️💔❤️

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