Buffalo seasons Awareness in life
Bereavement Requires Time & Oscillation
The Dual Process of Mourning describes the importance of intentionality in the grieving process. We need to engage in “dosing our grief” because at times either end can become too debilitating. Respite from grief work can be found in learning how to call and schedule the eaves to be cleaned for the first time after a spouse dies. Respite from paying bills and going places alone can be found in snuggling in your den watching a favorite romance movie that you and your partner watched together—the tears can be cathartic, while also continuing your bond with them. These acts are integral to developing a healthy coping style to your loss.
The Impact of Cancer on Personal relationships
When I was 15 years old, entering high school, my maternal grandfather, aka Moo Moo, died of lung cancer, which had metastasized to his brain. Treatments and prognoses have come a long way since then, and some forms of metastatic disease are curable. I often wish that he would have been able to live this long to see such amazing advancements in medicine. He was in his mid-50s—my age now. I still have the quiet moments I spent with him in his bedroom, the bed facing the rugged lawn and all its rural wonder; but I also have memories of better times with him fishing on the LaCrosse River, eating hot ham and cheese sandwiches at Hardees, and trying to make cream turn into butter by shaking the half and half capsules at the local diner (his idea and prompting).