A man I knew at work died from a heart attack

[Haole Girl]

Several people were very upset... crying.. huddling...murmering the way people do after someone dies. I could tell something was wrong, almost immediately when the first people heard, but didn't want to ask. Eventually someone came by to tell me... just before I had to go into a meeting. So I put my emotions on hold. I think I still have, really.

We sat by each other and he gave me very good advice once. He never passed by me without saying hello. Just a nice man.

He was at work yesterday, they said. Late 40's, fit, didn't smoke... didn't even seem to get stressed out about things.

The cliche' about never knowing when it's your last day seems so trite.

I'm still waiting for it to hit me...

I wonder when it will.

Just seeing if writing it out would make it seem more real.

[Aristus]

1. I'm sorry, HG. for you and your co-workers.

:hug: We'll be here when you need us...

[Haole Girl]

2. God, Aristus...

I know me. I seem to handle the big things, like this. Then I'll fall apart over a flat tire or something stupid two weeks later. Thanks. :hug:

[Aristus]

3. Your composure will put you in a good position to help your co-workers if they need it.

I admire you...


We'll all still be here in two weeks if you need us then... :grouphug:

[Haole Girl]

6. That is a good way to look at it

I might go to his funeral. Haven't been to one in a long time... and, you are right, I could maybe help someone there. Thank you again. :hug:

[Kajsa]

4. I am so sorry, Haole Girl!

He sounds like a very nice man.

My condolences to you, your coworkers, his family and friends.

And yes, we are here if you need us.

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

7. Thank you

He was a very kind man. :hug:

[bluesbassman]

5. So sorry to hear that HG.

Makes it doubly hard when there's no warning like that. :hug:

[Haole Girl]

8. Thank you

:hug:

[siligut]

9. I agree, no indications, no predisposing habits or conditions.

That is so hard. It makes one wonder about our existence. I think I am like you. I can handle or suppress the big things, they hurt so much, but then I break down over something small to let it out. :hug:

[Haole Girl]

10. Thanks

You do that, too, huh? My older sister tells me I "compartmentalize" well.

I think it's a form of denial (for me, anyway).

:hug:

[Lil Missy]

11. How traumatizing. He was way too young.

Have yourself a good cry. It's therapeutic.

[Haole Girl]

12. Thank you

A good cry can be therapeutic. I agree.

[bigwillq]

13. That's terrible.

:hug:

Such is life. :hug:

[Haole Girl]

15. Thanks for stopping by, bigwillq

It's starting to sink in now. I just had a little bit of a delayed reaction, like I do sometimes. :hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

14. Sad. Too young. Sorry to see this.

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

16. Thank you

I hope I didn't bring down the Lounge. :hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

18. can the Lounge get any lower?

I wouldn't worry ;) :pals:

[Wapsie B]

17. My sympathies to you and your co-workers.

[Haole Girl]

20. Thank you, Wapsie B

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. My dear Haole Girl...

I am so sorry...

Safe passage to him...

Hugs for you, sweetie...:hug: :hug:

[Haole Girl]

21. Thank you, Peggy

:hug:

[Dystopian]

22. So very sorry...

How sad.....
I understand how you're feeling...a delayed reaction to a sudden loss is common.
:hug:

peace~

[Haole Girl]

23. Thank you, Dystopian

:hug:

[applegrove]

24. That is tough. So is putting your emotions on hold. Let it out. I once worked at a magazine

that had a writer die in a snowfall accident. I worked for a friend of mine on that day because the friend was really close with this writer. I was receptionist. People from the writing community in my city were calling all day long to talk to the editors and such..and give their condolences. When I got home I burst into tears and cried for a long time. I wasn't great friends with that person but it is really hard to keep it in when a life ends like that.

[Haole Girl]

25. Thank you, applegrove

It sank in when I looked at my work email and read the memo from our manager/director. I'm not looking forward to work tomorrow.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

26. My deepest and sincerest thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies

To you, your co-workers and the friends and family of the deceased. I'm so, so very sorry. I've been where you are at the moment and my heart aches for what you all must be going through at this moment:hug: :hug:

[Haole Girl]

28. Thank you RFKHumphreyObama

:hug:

[Jack Sprat]

27. I wish we didn't have to die...any of us

It doesn't seem right to feel the sense of loss that we generally feel. None of us really know what to make of death and the finality of it. We don't want to talk about it. We don't even want to think about it. Yet, it is inevitable for all.

It is nice of you to miss this friend and coworker and for all of you to grieve for him as you have.

[Haole Girl]

29. Thank you Jack

[Symarip]

30. I'm sorry, love

My uncle passed last year, but it was no surprise. I've come to realize you're never prepared whether you see it coming a mile away or it's completely out of the blue.

[Deep13]

31. Yeah, my Dad was 52 when he died in perfect health.

It was a stroke ten years ago.