Sorry for your loss. What I really mean is...

I am often asked how I face my work day helping grieving families. Being an emotional person, most days, I find it hard not to tear up, although I would be more disappointed in myself if I became immune to witnessing the grief of others. 

 

To me, it seems, people tend to want to rate the grief of others, often saying oh it must be hard when they're a child or young person, or the person died suddenly, but the reality is, when a person is loved, all death is sad. I remember one elderly gentleman in particular. Both in their 90's, he and his wife had been together for over 70 years and now, he had to face his coming days without her - his grief was immense, and it was hard to bear witness to it. Yes, she had led a long and full life, and yet, her family did not want to let her go because, regardless of the length of time we have with those we love, we always wish for a little more. 

 

I often say the simple words "sorry for your loss" and, at times, I wonder if my words are perceived as hollow, or sound like I have spoken them out of necessity (or repetition)? Recently I read these words by Donna Ashworth who has so eloquently described what she means when she says "sorry for your loss"; her words are a reflection of how many of us feel who pass on our condolences - four simple words that hold so much depth of meaning....

 

 

Each day there are families that turn to Pettigrew to guide them as they navigate the process of organising a funeral for their loved one. Facing the grief of others each day can be emotional but what a privilege it is to walk beside a family and do our best to make a difficult time a little easier.