No right or wrong way to grieve
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
There are many things happening in our county, state and nation, but I want to start on another topic that has been happening too much lately. In the last 21 months, many people in my life have lost loved ones – spouses, parents, children, friends, and other family members. And, each one suffers and grieves in different ways.
There is NO right way or wrong way to handle the death of someone special in your life. Some people hold the grief in and others let it out. Some people are not able to cope with the massive change in their life while others are able to compartmentalize and take care of the business at hand while grieving in private.
We don’t need to judge anyone and how they handle their loss – and it will take varying amounts of time to deal with it. But, we do need to reach out to them and assure them you are there if they need you. And then, follow through.
I’ve shared before that I worried some people would think I was not mourning the loss of my husband after he died because I just took charge and carried on. Nothing is further from the truth.
No one saw me in the privacy of my home each morning and each night as I cried my eyes out. But the people who meant the most to me gave me space, were there if I called, and were calling me, and still including me in the things that kept my husband’s memory alive. For those of us who are missing someone, we have to remember to reach out to people when we need them – give them a chance to help you.
It was months before I was able to not cry through church – especially the hymns. Thankfully, I am in a Sunday school class with many women who had been down the path before me so I was comfortable just being me. There were others in my church (Rockford Baptist!) who had also just started down the path of being alone and figuring out what to do. Being around people is the very best medicine under these circumstances.
What I’m trying to say is – don’t isolate yourself, don’t stop your regular activities, and don’t cut off your friends and family. And, if you are that friend or family member, don’t expect or push that person to “suck it up and move on.” For both, be patient but be there!
Dianne Perrett and I lost our husbands within days of each other, and we have talked a lot about starting a group for people on this journey. Maybe now is the time to really think about that.
Everyone needs some support from people who understand. But I’m just so lucky to have people in my life who want to keep Larry in our activities – we include him in the conversations and talk about him all the time! I think that’s the best thing anyone can do.
Now, let’s move on! I was out of town for a week and had a very much needed break from local news! And, since I came home I have really heard about a lot of GOOD things happening!
The ambulance to be housed in Rockford should be here within 30 days, and the County Commission is advertising for an EMS director to start setting it up. Like the other ambulance services in the county, the employees will be paid by billing the patient’s insurance. Other funding will be reviewed for the maintenance operation.
The power lines at the cabin area of Flagg Mountain are being put underground in our long-term project to restore the area to its original state. That area is closed this month while the contractors are working in the area. Thank you, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative!
Alabama Hiking Trail Society is looking for a new on-site caretaker starting in October. If you know someone who would love to live full-time on the mountain to help with greeting visitors, aiding hikers and doing daily maintenance (room with kitchen included), please have them contact AHTS through Friends of Flagg’s Facebook page.
Election season is in full force now. The Coosa County Republican Party will be hosting events for the next two months to provide opportunities for the voters to meet our candidates. Follow us on Coosa County Republicans Facebook page (the one with members in costumes) and come to our monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of each month.
Also, the Coosa County Commission will be holding budget review meetings this month to pass the budget for 2022-23. Watch their website for the dates and times of these meetings.
Until next week, be kind to each other. And, please continue to pray for our country.