A few days ago, I had the chance to read all the emailed newsletter that I subscribed to. Haven't had any time to do that lately. I came across an article written by Penelope Trunk. You can read that article here: Working Through Grief

I couldn't help but respond to th article, so I sent her an email (copied below).

"I've been putting off reading all of these emailed articles that I'ved subscribed to, having prioritized all of the work-related email first. It's been a busy holiday season for us and by the looks of your December 29 article, you've probably have an idea what I do for a living."

"I find myself writing to you because I feel the need to say that I understand your grief. I'm no stranger to it myself. Back in 1997, I lost three members of my family. My father died of cancer April of that year. Six months to the day, my younger brother died of a heart attack. He had just turned 20 years old two weeks before his death. On December 1, my youngest brother died at 17. The Christmas of '97 was the saddest that I knew. "

"My mother was stircken with grief for such a long time. I was trying to deal with my own grief my way, basically trying to numb myself by engaging in reckless behavior. I didn't know how else to deal with it. Nothing seemed to comfort us. Seeing each other only seemed to remind us that we were was was left of our family -- just the two of us. We rarely talked about it, maybe because bringing up the subject was such a painful experience. "

"Looking back at the experience today, I know I've learned 2 things. First is that grief can be debilitating. Ignoring it only seems to make it worse. Facing it is such a painful but necessary exercise. The second is that in our desire to deal with it, we must be willing to open up and talk about it. I've talked about my grief sparingly in the last 6 years. I've recounted the ordeal to a handful of people. I still find it difficult at times. "

"I just want to say that you've done a great thing, talking about your grief at such a difficult time. I admire you for that. May God bless us all. Sincerely, Ed "

I was surprised that she replied 45 minutes after I emailed her. For a reader like me, receving such a fast response from a writer I read was a warm surprise. Her reply was both heart-warming and encouraging...

"Hi Ed, Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have three
brothers, and I can't imagine how I would get through what you have pulled yourself through. I
appreciate you writing the story, though. There is something very human and real about hearing
about peoples' most difficult times. I hope that each Christmas is easier for you. Best, Penelope"

I replied back that I would post this on my blog to share it (in turn) with everyone that reads my blog.