The answer, I’m pretty sure, is no.  But let’s review.  Do you need help, Kath?

Do you:

• Sleep less than 6 or 7 hours each night, constant fatigue, or significant weight loss.     No, I wake up when Snoopy wakes up, which means I do suffer 7:00 bedtime fatigue.  Definitely no on the weight loss.
  

 

• Experience feelings of depression, anger, guilt or anxiety.     No, not angry, not depressed, just low on the happy.
  

 

• Remain isolated from friends and family.     No, I need folks.  I accept invitations and conversations and inclusions.  No.

 

• Overuse of drugs, alcohol, food, money, or gambling.     No.  I think I may be way too addicted to my family.  But that’s all.

 

• Inability to deal with day-to-day problems.     Uh, no?  Well, maybe?  No, if I can put the dealing off until tomorrow or next month.

 

• Feeling overwhelmed by other major life events.  This may include physical health challenges, a family member in crisis, another death, financial difficulties, or other life transitions.     No and Yes.  No, not at the moment, but yes to the event around the corner.  

 

Would you agree, Ginger — Hospice Bereavement & Grief Support Coordinator, that I don’t need help?   Thank you for checking on me these many months.  Thank you for emails that, though automated, scripted and impersonal, nevertheless remember me.  This last one is your way of gently saying that, unless I answer yes to the above, I’m good to go.   I will adjust and heal.   Goodby and have a good life.

The answer is no, only because of Jesus.  I will adjust and heal because of Him.  Jesus is my good life.  And yes, I need His help.