Today was my last full day in Chattanooga; I'll be leaving at 6:00 pm tomorrow. I've had a great time here, and I know I've done a lot of good. We worked though 26 condolences in the Chattanooga area, with every one being unique, personal, and very difficult. The challenge of trying to help a family that has lost their mother, father, child, or spouse in addition to everything they own is unbelievably daunting. I struggled for some time just trying to figure out how to approach this assignment. With my first meeting, however, it just came naturally. I just listened, giving them some peace for an hour or two when they didn't have to worry about what had happened, what would happen, and how to move on. They could just talk about how they felt without interruption. I was able to start a painful and long process of healing by giving them a toehold in the form of resources which can help them long-term. In the end, I could never give them what they wanted the most, but I gave all that I could, and I guess that means something.
Well, this will probably be my last post on this DR, tomorrow will just be paperwork and travel. But I will be back on the next one, which may come sooner than expected.
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