Today was Emotional…
I had a mom stop in to donate her daughter’s clothing. This would be a normal occurrence accept for the fact her daughter committed suicide 19 months ago. We had helped them in the past. I remember her as a bubbly sweet girl. Unfortunately she got caught up in some things that were bigger than she. Her death shook me and I have thought of her often.
Today her mom showed up at the door…. no words needed, she pointed to her SUV where the hatch was open. I could see the boxes with her name written on the side… Samantha’s clothing. I felt a knot in my stomach. I helped her carry the boxes in, stopping when she needed time to process her emotions and what she was doing. I got to share with mom some of my fond memories of Samantha. I also reminder her that the clothing she is donating will help many local teen girls, and I think Sam would be so happy to know other teens would benefit from the clothing.
I almost stopped at that but I had to share one more thing… if Sam saw those boxes with SAMANTHA written on the side she would be rolling her eyes. Mom broke out laughing. If you called her Samantha she would quickly remind you she liked to be call “SAM”! Mom explained to me how this was her 4th attempt at the unbearable task of donating Sam’s clothing. She felt as if she was losing another piece of her but today she felt emotionally ready. The thought of Sams clothing helping another teen made her heart feel a bit of gratitude. She thanked me for taking the time to sit and talk with her. I can’t do anything to bring Sam back or to stop the hurt she feels, but I can sit and listen to her. Sometimes we need someone to just listen. Not to fix anything or offer advise, but to just be there.
Who will you reach out to today to check on and just listen to if needed? It can be medicine for a heart that hurts. –Elissa