Sometimes I feel that I'm so out of touch with reality that I don't even know what to prioritize. Today changed that. Practicing expressing what I want & feel to others has opened up my eyes on how out of touch I really was, with myself & how I see others.
I shared exactly what I was thinking with my brother after catching him up on my dad's status, and his sentiments were eerily similar.
He’s a “retired” physician who still thinks he runs the hospital, so he was dictating vs. accepting and listening. Smoker for probably 60 years and 73 years old. We can count the times our entire family will see each other again and it’s frightening. Yet, we have an opportunity (as you do too) to cherish every single moment with those in your circle. Those you love and care for.
My dad is fine and not on his death bed, but today put everything into perspective. As he's being treated in the hospital room, we were watching the live stream of Baltimore City Police describing what did or didn't happen to another black man shot by cops in America. Countless deaths are being broadcasted everywhere you look, and I've lost count the number of names that turned into hashtags. Death can put a lot of things into perspective and in motion.
As I was afraid to even enter the hospital, I knew I eventually had to as I've learned to face my fear to understand what it's trying to tell me.
We all need a safe space for people to share their stories, whether that’s through a blog or face to face. This starts conversations where people open up & trust is built with one another. We're all hurt and have a story to tell. We all need healing. Provide the space for someone you love.