Don’t think. You can’t. You’re jumping off an impossibly high ledge into a deep, freezing sea. The part of you that thinks— turn it off. Full steam ahead. No second guessing. Dial the number. When they pick up, say hello but don’t delay. Do not inquire about how their day went and don’t check in on that thing from last week. Just ask: Do you have a minute? They’ll know from the question that it’s important. That’s all the buffer you can offer. When they say yes, you get one inhale. You’ve never done this before, and now you have to and that is ok because you already know that there is only one way to share something so true. Exhale if you need it. You probably won’t. Then say it: We lost him. That’s how you tell them.
If you’d like to read more, these words from this time last year are companions to what’s here.
My writing is my gift, and I give it freely to any reader who may gain from it. If you’d like to reciprocate, signing up for a paid subscription is a great way to do so.
Thank you Jonathan for giving me the most loving, brave life tool. I am grateful for your wisdom.
One of the hardest things you’d have to do but you did it. And I thank you for that. I still remember the call like it was yesterday. I was getting in the shower but I saw your name pop up and I had to answer it. I knew. Deep down, I knew it was the call.