Abstract
For those of us who have grieved, the experience is unforgettable. After initial numbness and disbelief, comes an utter and profound sadness. The chest feels heavy and the appetite is lost, seemingly forever. Then there arises a restlessness, an urge to pace, an inability to concentrate. Insomnia drains the energy, and crying spells occur. One becomes irritable, and while seeking support from friends is sometimes comforting, it is only with a supreme effort that one can involve oneself in their lives. This acute stage gradually subsides, but grief does not disappear. Special words, memories, places can reactivate the agonized feelings and preoccupations weeks, months, or even years later. Nonetheless, over time, as the lost person is discussed, important memories are shared with others and mixed feelings are explored, the acute impact of the grief lessens and one is able to return to daily routines.
“Charlotte,” said Wilbur. “We’re all going home today. The Fair is almost over. Won’t it be wonderful to be back home in the barn cellar again with the sheep and the geese? Aren’t you anxious to get home?”
For a moment Charlotte said nothing. Then she spoke in a voice so low Wilbur could hardly hear the words.
“I will not be going back to the barn,” she said.
Wilbur leapt to his feet. “Not going back?” he cried. “Charlotte, what are you talking about?”
“I’m done for,” she replied. “In a day or two I’ll be dead. I haven’t even strength enough to climb down into the crate. I doubt if I have enough silk in my spinnerets to lower me to the ground.”
Hearing this, Wilbur threw himself down in an agony of pain and sorrow. Great sobs racked his body. He heaved and grunted with desolation. “Charlotte” he moaned. “Charlotte! My true friend!”E. B. White1Charlotte’s Web (1952)
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Whybrow, P.C., Akiskal, H.S., McKinney, W.T. (1984). Attachment and Loss. In: Mood Disorders. Critical Issues in Psychiatry. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2729-5_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2729-5_4
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