What a sad day today turned out to be. I got an unexpected call while in the bathtub this morning from my boss, Kevin, informing me that one of our clients (only 46 years old) passed away (pneumonia?) and he was wondering if I could join him for emergency grief counseling at his group residence for the eleven remaining consumers of this site.
Fortunately Tom and I did not have personal plans until this evening, so I was able to help out. Being at a significant advantage over Kevin as I know nearly every resident and staff of this Aspire run residence, I felt empowered to fill in where he was less able - including in 1:1 support for the deceased’s long term girlfriend who was very shocked and distraught.
How sad and difficult to be amongst the freshly bereaved — especially on the heels of another significant Aspire loss when a beloved Mental Health co-worker suddenly passed away last October, and himself was well connected to both today’s deceased and the others here, including Kevin and myself.
In addition, we spent more time here than intended, making me late for our pre-planned volunteer outing with our Compeer friend, Kristine, who we take out from the Buffalo Psych. Ctr. one time per month. Although friendly and loving, Kris suffers mental health problems and other disabilities that can make spending time challenging. Also, eating together is always part of what we share - and her food should be carefully chosen and cut up due to medical, swallowing and dietary problems.
Tell her this! Interestingly, although a few years older than me, strangers often consider her as our daughter during public outings - and from how she loves to eat, she certainly could be kin!
Anyway, overall today felt largely like a sobering and sad reminder as to misfortunes and a wake up call that my “short straw” is not nearly as short as so many others.
February 28th, 2009 | 
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