Grieving News.. (of colleague)
Long story short, I got a second job at another hospital, which is now my primary workplace. The initial hospital I worked at has become my secondary workplace.
So, this past Friday, I received a work email, the department I worked at in my secondary hospital, is setting up a flower fund for a colleague of mine (she's on my team), who lost two family members in one week.. I have an idea who those family members are, as I remember previously when she had to leave work suddenly to go see them as their conditions suddenly deteriorated. I can feel her sadness, and it must be that much more harder for her because she came back from Maternity Leave last October.
With the flower fund, the charge nurse will be preparing flowers and a card for her, since I won't be working at that site until a couple of weeks later, I asked if I could e-transfer her my share. Since she will be the one making the purchases, I transferred it immediately and she said she'd put my name on the card.
Anyways, the news is devastating.. reminds me of my losses. The one year anniversary of my Grandma passing is coming up in a couple of months too..
@Jaeteuk
That’s a lot to process, and I really appreciate you sharing this. It sounds like you've been navigating a big transition with your work, and now this heartbreaking news about your colleague adds to everything. Losing two family members in such a short time is unimaginable, and I can understand why this is hitting close to home for you, especially with your grandma’s anniversary coming up. Grief has a way of resurfacing in moments like this.
I think it’s really thoughtful of you to contribute to the flower fund even though you won’t be at that site for a while—your colleague will surely appreciate knowing you're thinking of her. It’s clear you have a lot of empathy, and that kind of kindness matters in times like these. If you ever want to talk about your grandmother or how you're feeling, I’m here to listen.
Thank you, Remina.
You know, I was reminded of my Grandma momentarily on my way to work today. Taking public transit, there was a grandma who was having trouble getting on the bus. The driver was parked and walked away, leaving his safety door swung open. Seeing her struggle, I got up from my seat and helped her hold it close as she made her way to a seat. We ended up chatting a few more minutes as she sat close by.
Something I wasn't able to do when my grandma was still here, as my parents and I immigrated away from her when I was still young. But my childhood memories of her is still fresh, I guess that is why it hurts more when I got the news of her passing. I was so emotionally attached, despite our distance, and lack of time spent together. My memories of her is like it just happened yesterday.
Contribution to the flower fund is the least I can do. I'd go and give her a hug if I could, but honestly, we're not close enough for that. But I can just imagine how she feels, with her baby son, and then losing those 2 family members. It must've hit her hard.
But you know, as hospital staff, it's kinda ridiculous that they only get like 3 grievance days off.. if she needs more time off, it won't be a paid leave.
For me, I was off for nearly 7 months! This new workplace is a decision I made after I returned to work. As a couple of people on my team did not show kindness to my loss when it first happened, and to work with them again without those hard feelings, is difficult. So this is a good move for me. New change, fresh start, next chapter of my life.
But you're right. Our feelings of grief do resurface when we least expect it. That's why I'm feeling sad too. Another half hour before my shift starts, better try and get it together.
@Jaeteuk
That moment on the bus sounds really meaningful—it’s beautiful how small acts of kindness can bring up deep memories. It makes sense that your grandma’s passing still feels fresh, especially with the emotional bond you had despite the physical distance. Grief is unpredictable, and it’s okay to feel it come and go. It sounds like this new job is a positive step forward, even after everything you’ve been through. Give yourself grace—these feelings don’t have to be rushed away. 💙