I had a very disturbing experience at work this past month. One Sunday I was working, a very busy day at that, and a man called us at Hospice asking if there was anyone he could speak with because he had just lost a loved one and was having a very hard time. After expressing my sympathies to him, I told him I would get our bereavement counselor to get back with him on Monday. He said that would be too late, he was having a hard time now, he wasn’t able to only be troubled Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. As the conversation progress, I had my coworker contact our bereavement counselor for advice. While my coworker was on the phone with our bereavement counselor, the man I was speaking with progressed to talking about suicide. I kept repeating to the man to call 988 or 911 immediately, instructing him to hang up from me and dial 988 or 911.
Early in the conversation, I asked him very directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” One thing I’ve learned working with Hospice, is to ask very direct questions. When it comes to death, people often are far too afraid to speak directly and openly. And, for a split second, I realized as I asked him that it was awkward. However, he was too deeply emotionally hurt to even think if what I was asking was awkward or uncomfortable, he was only able to speak with raw hurt and honesty.
Working as a team, we got the police involved to do a wellness check on this person. It’s remarkable at how much the police can do with just a phone number! They were with him in an impressive amount of time and assisted him in getting help. I don’t know any more about what has happened with this person.
When relaying the conversation and what happened with my coworkers, one person said that people who are serious about committing suicide never talk about it, they just do it. And that those that talk about killing themselves are just trying to get attention. Well, that first comment is incorrect. People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. They are in pain and oftentimes reach out for help because they do not know what to do and have lost hope. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Always.
Here are a few statistics:
- It is estimated that close to 1,000,000 people make a suicide attempt each year.
- Every year around 800,000 people succeed at taking their own life.
I hate having such a sad newsletter, but life has sad parts too. We all have very difficult experiences and times in our lives. If you’re concerned about someone being depressed, withdrawing, or suicidal talk to them about it. Speak up and say something, anything. You can’t make a person suicidal by showing that you care. In fact, giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express their feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings, and may prevent a suicide attempt. There is a world of help – many, many websites offer help, go to the hospital, call your doctor, and always remember the suicide hotline is 988.
Let’s switch topics and brighten up the newsletter now! Last year we planted a weeping cherry tree in our front yard. I am so happy to report that “Cherry” is making a grand debut this spring, full of buds and blooms! I’ve said it before, I get so excited watching all the flowers and plants bloom and grow. I sincerely wish you a fun month, full of growth and youthful energy.
Celebrating Birthdays!
May 1, 2023 by whisperinghoop
Since May is a big month for me personally, I decided to look into the history of birthdays. I did not know the first mention of birthdays starts in Egypt around 3000 B.C.E.! And it’s pretty clear that birthdays are to remember and celebrate the life of that person. And how better to celebrate that person than with that birthday cake, right?!
I asked a coworker how she typically celebrates her birthday which she replied two facts: 1, she does not work on her birthday, and 2, she does not celebrate her birthday at all! After she explained her reasons, I realize that birthdays are just like holidays – they can be wrapped up in painful memories, anxiety, or any other unwanted feelings.
What my birthday means to me, aside from gratitude for my life, is a day when my loved ones call and sing Happy Birthday to me. As the years go by, I get fewer calls, so the ones I do get become more dear and precious to me. The second part of celebrating my birthday is that I get to choose my birthday dinner. No diet is to be factored in, and no other person’s consideration matters. And lastly, the very important birthday wish! No matter what, at the very least a candle needs to be lit and a wish made.
I’m turning the big 60 this month. Aging used to be pretty amusing – – well, it’s losing its humor and getting a little serious now! I think my mind and eyes are that of my youth. I think I’m about mid-thirties when I’m in conversations with people. Especially when I’m talking with coworkers, I think I’m just like them even though I am old enough to be their mother. I see the world with my youthful eyes. My heart feels a little older, a little more wiser as I’ve learned and developed more compassion over the years. Definitely more kindness and acceptance than I had in my twenties and thirties. My body is a different story. I vividly remember back around 1989 or 1990 when I worked at the forklift company. I was in my late 20’s and I developed this weird new pain in my abdomen. I was worrying and complaining about this pain, what could it be – it had to be diagnosed so it could be fixed. My friend, Joe, laughed and said he wouldn’t know what it would be like to wake up and not have something hurt or feel weird. Unfortunately, I can relate now.
This month’s New Moon is the day after my birthday, and according to the internet, “Mars and Jupiter, which are presently conjunct, harmonize with the new moon. This should bring a great sense of passion, excitement and optimism to our lives.” Well, that sounds good to me! But before the New Moon, there is a lunar eclipse on May 5th signify significant periods of change and transformation. In a nutshell, this month, astrologically speaking, urges us to connect with Mother Nature. Encouraging us to feel one with everything and know that we are part of the magic in the Universe.
Wishing you a beautiful month enjoying Mother Nature, feeling connected to All, and taking time out to celebrate YOU and your life, even if it’s not your birthday.
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