Grief

You can start a day thinking you have gotten up from a challenge on the day prior, and be filled with hope when life, the universe, fate, gives you a gut-wrenching blow and again your whole world is turned upside down. I have felt grief and trauma in my life, but today, I feel a deep, deep sorrow for the loss of a wonderful mentee and student, Andry Evangelista. Andry was the kindest, most gentle, thoughtful, and bright soul I have encountered in my career. He was very special to me and I will never forget his peaceful way and gift for soothing everything around him by his presence and his way of speaking. He would have made an impactful, calming, compassionate, and warm-hearted clinician and I’m sure he would have inspired more kindness and caring around him just by his being. He did in my life, even though he was my mentee. I learned a great deal about empathy and patience from him. I pray earnestly for his family and especially his parents. I feel grief, too, for their challenge at this time.

I would like nothing more than to curl up, mourn, and hide. Today, again, my family saves me, and my work is put in perspective. I think of my other students and worry for them and the impact this will have on them when they learn of their friend and colleague. I pray, and write, and be calm, like Andry always was.