"A Mourning Moment" BY BOB WIllis

Shrinking circle

Hospice workers and other healthcare professionals have seen "the shrinking circle". When a person is nearing the end of life, the material things they have accumulated are no longer a priority. Seeing casual friends and neighbors from years ago is not the most important thing to them.
As the time of death draws closer for them, it seems that patients find more comfort with immediate family near to them. Their circle of support draws smaller, it usually b...ecomes an intimate circle of family members.

Many times while on the hospice staff, I have witnessed death in homes. The things that once brought joy to the patient are no longer noticed. Things change. The comfort they find now may be in "the shrinking circle" of family members...a holy time.
Have you noticed something similar can take place after a death, when families need grief support? There can be a "shrinking circle" of support. Perhaps only a few family members or close friends can provide support.
Do not try to force someone to provide support after a loss. Not everyone is capable of giving the comfort that is needed. Be open to support from a new source, it may start small, perhaps one to one. But do not give up, keep looking for the support during your time of heartache.
Bob Willis, author
"A Guide for Grievers"
"JESUS: The CRUCIFIED CAREGIVER"