Grief

Grieving can be very hard. When you lose someone close to you it can be really hard to accept the fact they are gone. It is okay to cry and wish that that person was still here. I feel when someone in the family is diagnosed with a chronic illness the family begins to grieve in the beginning. They have to have time in the beginning to accept the fact that this has happened and they are going to do everything to keep that person alive.

Saturday afternoon, I attended the funeral of a 14 year old boy named Tyler that I met at Children’s Hospital. Many people attended his funeral, everyone from family to friends to nurses and doctors. Many people knew Tyler at Children’s Hospital and could see how determined he was to be in remission. Walking into the church every seat was filled and many people stood along the back wall.  Three gentlemen stood up and talked about the funny side of Tyler. He was a funny boy who always spoke his mind. It was amazing to see all the support in that church.

After the funeral, I saw many of my nurses and staff from Children’s Hospital. One of the ladies told me and my mom that she was going to find another job because she could not let herself not get attached to many of the patients. She pointed to Tyler and said “That did it for me.” At the funeral I felt as if many people were mourning the illness of such a young and happy boy. Everyone grieves in their own way but it felt good to come together with many others that are grieving the same lost of a young boy.

This funeral taught me that grieving is okay and no matter how many times you grieve it doesn’t get easier.