10 Comments
User's avatar
Steve Gorman's avatar

Even when a loved one has lived a long and full life, and is ready to go, the loss can still come as a shock and feel unexpected. Death is just not something we’re used to thinking about, much less be prepared to know how to mourn when it happens. Writing is a way to begin to explore what you’re feeling at least.

Expand full comment
Rosana Francescato's avatar

I know someone who does "death cafes" where people talk about — you guessed it, death! I might check that out someday. When I have some time.

Expand full comment
Ben Kanne's avatar

We have to go on after somebody we love dies-Overtime, The acute experience of loss diminishes, But it never goes away. Discussions like this uncover The loss again-and for the moment becomes alive And acute-and reminds us that loss is a part of life.

Even though It receeds From consciousness, So that we may live, it lingers in our bloodstream.)

Expand full comment
Valerie's avatar

You didn’t mention how you used to put the dead butterflies in cotton backed frames… 🤣

Expand full comment
Rosana Francescato's avatar

Gee thanks for outing me, Valerie! 🤣 Even worse than shaking their trees.

Expand full comment
Valerie's avatar

What are sisters for?

Expand full comment
Mimi Kusch's avatar

Huge hugs to you. Sitting Shiva really makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

Expand full comment
Rosana Francescato's avatar

Yes it does! We need to be sitting Shiva for our country right now ... although, maybe it would say, "I'm not dead yet!"

Expand full comment
Adam J. Blust's avatar

So sorry for your loss, Rosana. My mother has been gone for seven years, and I still don’t really understand a world without her in it. And the mourning never really goes away. It changes, it morphs. And it can still slam down on my head unexpectedly, like a piano falling from a great height. Like the other night when I watched the Nick Offerman episode of “The Last of Us” on HBO. But mostly I’m just so grateful for all she gave to me and everyone she knew. I write about her because it is my small way of making sure she lives on in our memories. Much love to you.

Expand full comment
Rosana Francescato's avatar

Thank you, Adam! I feel the same way about my best friend who died when we were 38, 25 years ago. ❤️

Expand full comment