There are times in life that change us forever.
September 2022 was one of those for me, when I received the news that my best friend had been diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer.
Warning: This blog deals with sensitive issues around death.
Death is something that, as a culture, we tend to run away from. That’s understandable. Part of being human is avoiding the things that cause us pain and distress. But sometimes, we need to head toward the pain.
It’s become a predictable but all too common phenomenon: A beloved celebrity dies, and the social media blame games begin. As news of a celebrity death spreads across our screens, most people act, well, as decent human beings.
We experience the shared grief and sadness at a life lost too soon or celebrate a long life lived well. As the comments, tweets and remembrances roll in, most people express sadness, kindness, and loss with respect.
Many sessions with my clients are sprinkled with thoughts about regret.
What if I had done this instead of that?
Why didn’t I know this sooner?
What if I had gone, not gone, chosen a different doctor?
