“We Find That at the Table Together”
A couple of weeks ago I heard Gloria Estefan being interviewed by Jess Cagle. She was telling about the sixth stage of grief.
Quick Review: the first five named by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969 are —
Denial:
shock and disbelief that the loss has occurred
Anger:
that someone we love is no longer here
Bargaining:
all the what-ifs and regrets
Depression:
sadness from the loss
Acceptance:
acknowledging the reality of the loss.
— David Kessler wrote in 2019 that it’s Finding Meaning beyond those five stages that can transform our grief into a more peaceful and hopeful experience.
Gloria Estefan shared about herself, her family, and their losses and grief.
She cited Kessler’s work with Finding Meaning and said, “We find that at the table together.”
On this Thanksgiving Day and beyond, I have three hopes and prayers for you —-
- May the Thanksgiving Table be a place of Finding Meaning together
- May the Table of Holy Communion be a place of Finding Meaning together
- May all of this be framed in the context of the love of The One who said, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
joescheets 