It takes so much bravery and softness to let our tears fall when they need to. When I was traveling around the world for a year solo, I had a lot of intense emotions and zero privacy to express them. So I cried in public a lot! At first I felt so vulnerable but after a few times it was liberating to just be my whole self and not try to hide any parts of me.
Of course, it’s not always easy and takes practice but I think the more we allow ourselves to be seen, the more we see others’ humanity too.
Hi Mariah. Recently I had a similar experience, took care of the parent of a very young fellow ICU nurse.
You’ll understand how I was absolutely livid when my patient coded, I don’t get surprised very often after 20 years but it happens. Thankfully the patient survived and the first thing I did when I finally got in my car at 9 pm, 2 hours after my shift ended, was sob. I see you and thank you for sharing. I’m happy to know you were at your father’s side with your family and got to be a daughter.
I know it will make sense to you because the work we do is hard and it is gut wrenching. I would have loved to have worked with you back in the day. ❤️❤️
Thank you Kristin! Working in critical care, staring down death every day for a “job” is something I feel like only fellow ICU nurses and staff can truly understand! Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m still healing and processing my time in that arena, doing my best to offer compassion and grace for who I was at 22, attempting to navigate such an intense experience. 💗
P.S. Have you read “Every deep-drawn breath?” By Dr. Wes Ely? I’m halfway through and wish I had this book when I was still in the ICU.
You're welcome, sorry for the delay I've been at work the last several days. I haven't read that book and will add to my list. TY. I process pretty quickly for the most part, but also was 28 when I began my career. I don't know how these 20 year old nurses do it and I have so much empathy for them, especially now that my own children are 20 and 22. I want to hug my young co workers every day and often do when we have a rough shift. XOXO
Thank you, Mariah xoxo. I appreciate you reliving this heartbreaking time and sharing your experience of crying with us.
You raise an important point that communities can respond to puffy eyes and connect vulnerably when they see them.
I appreciate this: "I believe it begins with a change in the cultural narrative. With more paid time for bereavement. With learning how to stay out of “fix-it” mode and enter the sacred ritual of witnessing without trying to solve the unsolvable pain of grief." SO true
'By embracing our tears as a natural expression of being alive, we can honor life more deeply, celebrating its wonder, beauty, and mystery.' Love this expression - Our tears are a form of honouring life in its fullness, together.
This morning, but just silently in the corner where I sat at the cafe.
It takes so much bravery and softness to let our tears fall when they need to. When I was traveling around the world for a year solo, I had a lot of intense emotions and zero privacy to express them. So I cried in public a lot! At first I felt so vulnerable but after a few times it was liberating to just be my whole self and not try to hide any parts of me.
Of course, it’s not always easy and takes practice but I think the more we allow ourselves to be seen, the more we see others’ humanity too.
Sending you love 💗
Hi Mariah. Recently I had a similar experience, took care of the parent of a very young fellow ICU nurse.
You’ll understand how I was absolutely livid when my patient coded, I don’t get surprised very often after 20 years but it happens. Thankfully the patient survived and the first thing I did when I finally got in my car at 9 pm, 2 hours after my shift ended, was sob. I see you and thank you for sharing. I’m happy to know you were at your father’s side with your family and got to be a daughter.
I know it will make sense to you because the work we do is hard and it is gut wrenching. I would have loved to have worked with you back in the day. ❤️❤️
Thank you Kristin! Working in critical care, staring down death every day for a “job” is something I feel like only fellow ICU nurses and staff can truly understand! Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m still healing and processing my time in that arena, doing my best to offer compassion and grace for who I was at 22, attempting to navigate such an intense experience. 💗
P.S. Have you read “Every deep-drawn breath?” By Dr. Wes Ely? I’m halfway through and wish I had this book when I was still in the ICU.
You're welcome, sorry for the delay I've been at work the last several days. I haven't read that book and will add to my list. TY. I process pretty quickly for the most part, but also was 28 when I began my career. I don't know how these 20 year old nurses do it and I have so much empathy for them, especially now that my own children are 20 and 22. I want to hug my young co workers every day and often do when we have a rough shift. XOXO
Thank you, Mariah xoxo. I appreciate you reliving this heartbreaking time and sharing your experience of crying with us.
You raise an important point that communities can respond to puffy eyes and connect vulnerably when they see them.
I appreciate this: "I believe it begins with a change in the cultural narrative. With more paid time for bereavement. With learning how to stay out of “fix-it” mode and enter the sacred ritual of witnessing without trying to solve the unsolvable pain of grief." SO true
'By embracing our tears as a natural expression of being alive, we can honor life more deeply, celebrating its wonder, beauty, and mystery.' Love this expression - Our tears are a form of honouring life in its fullness, together.