Yesterday, the office of St. Joseph Hospice changed locations. Although we only moved down the hallway, from Ste 155 to 145, it has still brought about many grief responses. As we have been contemplating this move for the last month, I personally have experienced what many have termed “anticipatory grief,” as I have reminisced about the broad range of experiences which have happened in that space, thought about the move itself and the challenges presented, and looked into the future, trying to imagine future events in our new space. Many of you who are reading this blog can probably relate to those anticipatory grief responses, since you may have experienced similar reactions while your loved one was ill.
You may remember, anticipatory grief has a 3-part time focus: past, present, and future.
¨ PAST: Reminiscing about all the activities your loved one was able to participate in before (i.e., coaching baseball, singing in the choir) that your loved one will no longer be able to do.
¨ PRESENT: Dealing with the day-to-day losses as they may occur (i.e., loss of independence, relationships, identity), with the knowledge that these losses are often irreversible.
¨ FUTURE: Sadness at the thought of future activities (i.e., wedding, graduation) in which your loved one will not be able to participate.
For our St. Joseph Hospice staff, as may be with you, the anticipatory grief is behind us, but there is still much grief to process. During the days, weeks and months ahead, we will look back and remember. Yet, at the same time, we will look ahead and dream of what the next chapter may hold. What might your next chapter hold?
Copyright © 2014 by Kim Smith.
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