Experiences Grievers

Have you ever noticed how the young and the old differ in their grieving? You see people who lose someone they love cling to each other, wracked with sobs. They hoist dramatic metaphors and tout the value of love and life. Older people are quiet. They put their heads down. They hold your hand. They shuffle ever so slightly and shake their heads almost imperceptibly. When it is done, they rise, settle themselves, and patiently labor on. Theirs is the more experienced grief. Look at the family at a funeral. Look at the grandchildren, then look at the siblings and friends. See how quiet the older ones are. How patient. How tired.