From my book Grief Blessings*:

On a short business flight a few years ago, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a young man in uniform. I noticed that as we reached cruising altitude, tears began to fall from his eyes, and he quietly began weeping.

Gently, I asked, “Solider, are you ok?”

He wiped his face and replied that he was flying home to bury his mother, who had just passed away unexpectedly. I offered my condolences, and we talked for a few more minutes. I told him that I had lost my mother, too, and that I understood, on some level, how he must be feeling. I encouraged him to write about her and all the great memories he had of her. We sat in silence the rest of the short flight.

While waiting to deplane, I thanked him for his service to our country and told him he would be in my prayers. He kindly thanked me, as a solider might, and walked off the plane. I often wonder about him, and when I speak of him even today, tears well up in my eyes because I felt his pain. It was so very palpable. I’d been there years before with a broken heart and an overwhelming sense of grief.

This story reminded me of the many opportunities we have to observe, listen and provide comfort to those who are just beginning this unfortunate journey.

Until Next Time,

M

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