We need to get better at talking about death and grief | Letters
Readers respond to Polly Hudson’s article about the things people said to her (or didn’t) after her mother diedI do so agree with Polly Hudson’s piece about how the bereaved...
By Guardian Staff · The Guardian Opinion
Readers respond to Polly Hudson’s article about the things people said to her (or didn’t) after her mother died I do so agree with Polly Hudson’s piece about how the bereaved are addressed ( My mum has died – and there is one kind of response I can’t stand, 26 August ). After my teenage daughter was killed in a road traffic accident and I returned to work people would keep asking: “How are you?”. To which the only response could have been: “If you really want to know have you an hour or two to spare?” The idea that walking down a corridor en route to the office kettle was the venue for any rational response was plainly idiotic. A more thoughtful colleague suggested that I wore a notice around my neck that read: “Terrible, actually, but thanks for asking.” Continue reading...