Listening and a small acknowledgement....

i must state that i have observed some odd things in the last few days.  My Father, passed away on Tuesday afternoon (October 25, 2011) and i have had to adjust some personal things like doctors' visits, reserve travel, and supplies for my trip to his funeral.  In mentioning, "i am sorry to ...... but my Father has passed away", not once from these calls have i heard a "sorry to hear about your Father". or "sorry to hear about your loss". 

Is death such an awkward event that we avoid it?  Or more likely, i think our general courtesy has declined and people do not listen.  When somebody says they are doing something or needs to do something because someone has passed away, it is not just a courtesy, but important to say "sorry to hear of your loss".  It does not take a lot to say those 6 words "sorry to hear of  your loss" and you do not need to try to engage in a conversation about the death (most likely the person will not want to discuss it), but you should not ignore the statement either.

As i glossed over the loss of my Father-Harold Dean Toombs, to comment about my current experiences, i want to reference his obituary in the Arizona Republic.  There are very few people in the world who have not been impacted by what he accomplished.

i have experienced some wonderful and grace filled responses from so many members of my family and friends.  i have observed and been told of similar responses to my mother and brother.  i thank each and everyone of you.