Ask Amy: Mom worries that dysfunction will follow kids
Can you help?
Grieving
Dear Grieving: I’m so sorry for your losses. Grief is the most challenging of all emotions, because it cuts you off from even the smallest pleasures of living in the world.
Connecting with other human beings in an authentic way will help you, but your grief has effectively cut you off from others.
You say that prayer is helping, and because you seem spiritually-oriented, I suggest that you join a faith community. The current pandemic has actually opened up the opportunities for worship, because so many houses of worship have moved their services online.
Researching your question, I have watched several inspiring services – all available online any day of the week. An internet search should get you started.
Professional grief counseling would help you tremendously. Your doctor could help you connect with a counselor. Your local hospice center will host in-person (or online) grief groups, where you can connect with and communicate with other grieving people. Think: Communication and community. This is the way forward.
Dear Amy: “Allergic” complained of a very serious allergy to poison ivy, often transmitted to her by dogs when they rub up against her on the hiking trail.
Instead of chastising dog owners, why didn’t you simply suggest she use a different trail?
Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: This is truly a case of “the trail wagging the dog.” Maybe the dogs should use a different trail.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
