Providing Comfort

In conversation with one of Kelly's dear friends.  Discussing the reluctance of co-workers to mention Kelly's name.   Not speaking of their colleague who has passed.  Perhaps afraid of upsetting this friend. Fearing they may cause additional heartache.  If only they could be reassured that the tears and sadness come regardless.  That is our reality when we have lost someone we loved. The irony is that they would actually provide comfort by sharing a memory or remarking how much they miss her smile and cheerful disposition.  Hearing others speak of our loved one actually helps ease the pain.  Knowing they mattered to others.  That they are missed.  That they will not be forgotten.

Lipstick Lesbian

Went for my monthly haircut, extra short this time.  A glimpse in the mirror left me smiling as I recalled a previous hair related incident.  It occurred during Life Skills Coach training at Rhodes Wellness College.  A classmate had taken our group photo home and over dinner, had shown it to his partner and friends, all of whom were gay.  Pointing to my image, one friend commented on the short haircut and asked about this Lipstick Lesbian.  It fell upon my classmate to correct the inaccurate assumption.  We had a good laugh as he shared this with me the following day.  Recognizing the irony, as well as the timing.  One of our topics of course study?  Judgement.