Tip for Grievers #9

Reach out when you are hurting. You will be heard and loved.

Tuesday night was hard. I turned to all of you in my pain and I was so blessed to receive your care and concern. It made a true difference. I felt lifted and cradled by your responses.

Reaching out doesn't have to be one-sided. Helping someone else can have the same effect, only better - now two people are benefitting and brought closer. That night I went to the airport to pick up a friend and doing for someone else (even that slight task) made me feel more whole.

The picture accompanying this story? Aside from my enduring enchantment with Colin Firth (Sucky Face, as Tom called him), this photo was a path to laughter today. This morning, a colleague from Stanford appeared in my office with a box of Kleenex and this photo, mounted on purple construction paper. I've got it above my keyboard and every time I catch sight of it, I smile and giggle. I didn't need the Kleenex today, but it's there for the next time I do!

Thank you, all of you!