Dying Man’s Daily Journal – Compassion and understanding

Since the passing of Vi’s father on Saturday, days have been just filled with emotion. Tears flowing in seemingly ever direction I look. Through this emotion and grief, plans have been made and in that regard I think everything is done.

Family are beginning to arrive here in Winnipeg, gathering here for the long drive (about 8 hours) to Thompson tomorrow. I am seeing and learning so much just watching this all unfold before me. I have always said it is so much harder on the family and this absolutely confirms that in my mind. All internally carrying their own pain and grief, at the same time trying as best they can to comfort and console others. All the while still carrying on with the day to day necessities of life, plus making funeral arrangements. My prayers go to all the families going through this now or at anytime.

The strength it takes is just so amazing to see. Yesterday, just as an example. I can see, I know the hurt that is going on inside of Vi, well and her whole family. But yesterday, Vi and sister Debbie spent a good deal of time running around going to various stores, picking up some of those many things needed at a time like this. You just know this is something that they didn’t want to be doing but did it as it had to be done.

I am trying to imagine how difficult that was for them, what their frame of mind was like. Obviously not the best, but knowing these 2 ladies as I do, I know they put a smile on their pretty faces and off they went. I know they would have been courteous and polite to all they encountered. Vi and Debbie, I admire your strength, you are inspirations.

As I think about this though I have to wonder, how easy would it be, with all of that going on to act differently in a store or anywhere. I think it would be so understandable of anyone in that position to be say, irritable, grumpy or even rude and inconsiderate of others at that time. I mean look at what they are going through in their lives. I think most people would be understanding and accepting of that if they knew the circumstances.

I have really been thinking about this. I have, I know we all have met people in stores or where ever, that were just that, grumpy, rude or what ever. I know I have always been quick to jump to the conclusion, what a JERK, inconsiderate %#*!.

Now I think, I was so quick to judge but I had no idea what was going on in that persons life, causing them to act that way. I have always been quick to judge, I see you acting like a JERK, so obviously you are one. I never gave the benefit of the doubt to anyone, I never stopped to think there may be circumstances going on in their lives. Circumstances that possibly if I was aware of, my feelings would have been filled with compassion and I would have been so full of understanding for their actions or mood.

I am going to make a real effort to more often give the benefit of the doubt to strangers. Instead of becoming angry, irritated or what ever by their actions, I want to instead feel compassion, thinking wow to be acting as you are you really must have some awful things going on in your life, I am sorry for you.

All that know me, know I love to receive emails, be they jokes or the inspirational says that are always so touching. Those inspirational messages just seem to be always there waiting for me just when I need one. This is part of one of the messages I received today.

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God!
‘Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet
is fighting some kind of battle.’