Kate, first of all your talk is outstanding!! I didn’t learn to publically speak until my career with Hallmark. I trained your Mom. You probably don’t remember me… but I just lost my Mom 2 and a half years ago. I am still grieving. My Father was gone when I was 2. A terrible terrible divorce that affected me more than I realized was not having a father in my life. Hold onto those fabulous memories of your dad Jason. Not everyone gets to have them. 😘
Say their name! That is one of the greatest lessons I learned from my friend whose young daughter died. They never forget that she has died. Saying her name, although it can bring sadness, mostly brings them so much joy! Thank you for your incredible talk!
Cate, you have grown into an amazing young woman. You have put into words what I could never piece together. I lost my dad to the same disease. I'm sorry you also ended up with this experience, but I'm glad you found your voice.
Cate, You have captured so well the isolation and despair of a child who loses her parent when her peers react by refusing to acknowledge their pain. I lost my Dad unexpectedly when I was 21. No one I knew had lost a parent. People studiously avoided mentioning his death to me or asking me how I was doing. I was locked in a cocoon of misery that no one penetrated, I couldn’t believe that other people were going about their daily lives while I was mired in grief and loss. I did learn something valuable from the experience. Whenever I hear that someone has lost a loved one, I take the time to write a note, not just an e mail or text - to say how sorry I am. All a person needs to hear is that you acknowledge his or her loss. it takes 5 minutes and a stamp but it will mean the world to the grieving person.
Kate- I don't go on youtube much, but I clicked on something and saw your Ted Talk on the side- and had to watch. We lost our (NORTHEASTERN U Grad. 2019!!) 24 year old son Maxton in 2021. Our older son is suffering still and Max's death has affected/derailed his whole life. All of our Grief is still crippling. Gut wrenching pain. And, I experienced many of the things re. other people that you mentioned- the eggshells people walk on, other people's discomfort with talking about our loss. I feel like Max sent your Ted talk to me or me to it. Beautiful job, and I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful dad. I wish I could say the pain diminishes with time, but it does not, you just learn to live with it. Always there, as you said.. Congrats on all of your amazing accomplishments. Your dad was there at your graduation. He will always be there with you, so very proud. You are amazing.
Kate, first of all your talk is outstanding!! I didn’t learn to publically speak until my career with Hallmark. I trained your Mom. You probably don’t remember me… but I just lost my Mom 2 and a half years ago. I am still grieving. My Father was gone when I was 2. A terrible terrible divorce that affected me more than I realized was not having a father in my life. Hold onto those fabulous memories of your dad Jason. Not everyone gets to have them. 😘
Cate-Your Dad was great person; one of my most favorite friends in high school. He was a friend to everybody. I remember him so well!
Say their name! That is one of the greatest lessons I learned from my friend whose young daughter died. They never forget that she has died. Saying her name, although it can bring sadness, mostly brings them so much joy!
Thank you for your incredible talk!
Cate, you have grown into an amazing young woman. You have put into words what I could never piece together. I lost my dad to the same disease. I'm sorry you also ended up with this experience, but I'm glad you found your voice.
She gets it.. She understands .. Thanks Cate.. Even though your talk made me cry.. Lost my love of 28 years...I am grieving too..
Kate you are such a powerful speaker you are so strong you go girl
Cate,
You have captured so well the isolation and despair of a child who loses her parent when her peers react by refusing to acknowledge their pain. I lost my Dad unexpectedly when I was 21. No one I knew had lost a parent. People studiously avoided mentioning his death to me or asking me how I was doing. I was locked in a cocoon of misery that no one penetrated, I couldn’t believe that other people were going about their daily lives while I was mired in grief and loss.
I did learn something valuable from the experience. Whenever I hear that someone has lost a loved one, I take the time to write a note, not just an e mail or text - to say how sorry I am. All a person needs to hear is that you acknowledge his or her loss. it takes 5 minutes and a stamp but it will mean the world to the grieving person.
Well done, Cate. From a grieving human and retired pharmacist.
Kate- I don't go on youtube much, but I clicked on something and saw your Ted Talk on the side- and had to watch. We lost our (NORTHEASTERN U Grad. 2019!!) 24 year old son Maxton in 2021. Our older son is suffering still and Max's death has affected/derailed his whole life. All of our Grief is still crippling. Gut wrenching pain. And, I experienced many of the things re. other people that you mentioned- the eggshells people walk on, other people's discomfort with talking about our loss. I feel like Max sent your Ted talk to me or me to it. Beautiful job, and I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful dad. I wish I could say the pain diminishes with time, but it does not, you just learn to live with it. Always there, as you said.. Congrats on all of your amazing accomplishments. Your dad was there at your graduation. He will always be there with you, so very proud. You are amazing.