For weeks and months after Richard died, I found myself wanting to tell anyone and everyone – “my husband died!” I’m sure I made grocery checkers and baggers, people in meetings, and others uncomfortable. People aren’t sure how to respond to that announcement! I still find myself wanting to tell people. I do at times and other times I refrain.

When I read this devotional today, it made me realize that we need some kind of symbolism to let others know that we are hurting! That our loved one died; that we need to be handled with a little more care. That would be so helpful and could lead to a kinder, gentler, and more thoughtful approach when interacting to those who are in early grief!

Now when a stranger or friend shares that a loved one has died, I stop and listen; I ask their name. I want them to know that I understand their pain.

If you haven’t experienced the death of a loved one that devastated you, be grateful. But also try to remember that it just takes a second to listen, ask questions, and give a mourner that you meet on your daily travels a little TLC.