Comments on: When We Experience Loss, Is Closure Really Possible?

By: Danielle

Danielle — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:45:29 +0000

April thank you so much for sharing your story. This past year has been hallmarked by so much loss for so many people, and I appreciate you exploring it through writing. I’ve been doing the same as I figure out divorce and cancer amidst covid and new rules for how to be together apart. Maybe you’ll read some of my work and see we’re not alone. https://www.anothermillennialincrisis.com/

By: Connie

Connie — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 19:53:24 +0000

My dad passed away 15 years ago and then just 26 months later my husband died suddenly. I’ve learned to live with the grief and I know I’m a better person today because of what I’ve been through.
Thank you April, for sharing your pain. You have been given the gift of helping others on this difficult path.

By: April (Swinson) Smasal

April (Swinson) Smasal — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:42:40 +0000

In reply to Taylor. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment, Taylor! Means a lot.

By: Taylor

Taylor — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 23:46:00 +0000

This was such a beautiful read. Thank you for sharing your heart & the gift of these words with us. So sorry for your loss. ♥️

By: April (Swinson) Smasal

April (Swinson) Smasal — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:37:02 +0000

In reply to Sheri. Ohh, Sheri, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful and, I imagine, tough thing to be the caretaker for the last of his precious time here. I think what Doc Klein had to say must be true, that it'll likely open up at a different times—sometimes when we expect it, other times not so much. In some weird way, it actually makes things a little easier for me to know that I'm not the only one in this boat, lonely as it seems at points. So, thank you so, so much for your note. I hope your heart finds some stillness—sending lots of love and peace your way.

By: Sheri

Sheri — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:03:43 +0000

Things come to us when we need it. This beautifully written piece was a balm (although temporary) to my grieving heart. I lost my “pops” in March after being his caretaker for 2 1/2 years. I had all of my shit together, focused on being there for him, which turned into planning a loving funeral and closing out all of his business. All the while remaining calm and at peace until things slowly started to unhinge but not really knowing what was going on about a week ago. Then Father’s Day hit and the floodgates opened!! Oh my goodness, this is hard. Technically I have had the closure but yet my heart is telling me otherwise. So, a phone call to my therapist has been made and I will begin to put in the work to figure out how to make life easier without him. I am truly sorry for your loss and I pray that the lovely memorial you have planned for your Pops will give you enough comfort to keep you moving forward. Thank you for writing such a moving essay.

By: April (Swinson) Smasal

April (Swinson) Smasal — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 02:08:33 +0000

In reply to Alisa Sabin. Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave such a kind note, Alisa! Really appreciate it.

By: Alisa Sabin

Alisa Sabin — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:17:44 +0000

So heartfelt and powerful! Thank you for sharing this.

By: April (Swinson) Smasal

April (Swinson) Smasal — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 20:08:17 +0000

In reply to Nicole Forrest. That means so much, Nicole, thank you.

By: April (Swinson) Smasal

April (Swinson) Smasal — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 20:07:59 +0000

In reply to Jody. Thank you for reading, Jody! And thanks, too, for your kind note.

By: Nicole Forrest

Nicole Forrest — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 18:02:21 +0000

Wonderfully written. I can feel the depth of your emotion. Thanks for sharing. My condolences.

By: Jody

Jody — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:32:12 +0000

Thank you for this. I’m so sorry for your loss.