Graduating Grief?
 
Freshmen:
New-kid-on-the-block of grieving,
the home we knew – no longer within reach.
Deposited in a world full of strange new demands,
and others like me – dazed looking, searching for equilibrium.
“It’s a new beginning!” – they say.
“You’ll get used to it!” – they say.
 
Sophomore:
Survived freshman year – in a haze.
Got a few classes on this grieving stuff down – the basics anyway.
More hoops to jump through – apparently mandatory.
Does grieving offer credits?
Start getting serious about your major:
A New Life – alone.
 
Junior:
Survived the ‘going through the motions’
of the grieving curriculum.
Made some peer-group friends! – Grief-Networking?
More in-depth study of the subject at hand.
Lab-work for the heart,
endless papers to write on:
“What I learned in grieving school is…?”
 
Senior:
Homestretch? – What home?
Post-graduate study consideration:
Is there a post-grad in grieving?
Life-Testings have become familiar.
Examining my progress.
Applying for a new life.
 
Graduating Grief? – One Heart-Felt Lesson at a Time!
 
— Dorothea Langevin  2/11/2019
This beautiful poem simply and eloquently captures two universal themes — shock, daze, disorientation, confusion — as well as personal expressions of grief such as writing, searching and questioning.  Dorothea’s description of grieving as being a laboratory for the heart speaks to the constantly evolving, transportive experience of loss and renewal. It is a testimony to the abiding love that lives in sorrow.
For more information about individual grief support and support groups please contact Margaret Olson, bereavement specialist, at End of Life Services, 388-4111 or [email protected]. 
The author of this poem is Dorothea Langevin, a local Certified Life-Coach, Certified End-of-Life Doula, and artist, who’s own grieving journey inspired her to find meaningful expression in writing photo-poetry reflections. She recently published her first book “Tall Tales,” and is in the process of publishing her next book: “Cannot Speak, so I Write… A Transformative Healing Journey from Loss to Love.” Dorothea’s mission is to inspire, and she invites feedback from the community. To contact Dorothea, call: 1-802-458-7181 or e-mail: [email protected].