Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

I had a long phone conversation with a friend who is embarking on a new phase of her life. She will be caretaking her husband, and his illness will transform their lives, so that even being vaccinated and with our activities opening up, they will not be feeling anything like they did before the pandemic. I know she will do it with grace and competence, but I wanted her to know that I understand what is happening, and think of her many times every day. When I get back from my trip I will visit and do what I can to help. I've been there. She lost her mother this past year and was never to fly out to say goodbye, and eight of their friends died without farewells or funerals. I saw an article in the NYTimes about grief, and how everyone has been impacted by the pandemic, but also by the absence of funerals, goodbye visits, bringing food to wakes, helping physically, and being hugged. Hugged. We all are in shock and without our usual tools to comfort and heal. I'm grateful I've talked to my therapist every few weeks. She's been with me on and off for a dozen years, and knows my history. I wish and hope everyone receives guidance and comfort. My healthcare was all set to place me in a grief bereivement group, but covid canceled that. If it opens up now, in person or on zoom, I will join. The last thing I said to me friend last night was to take care of herself, and ask for help. If we don't, we will suffer greatly.