| Our community has suffered a blow this week. Dr. | | | | loved one understands you're just human. |
| Albert O'Mahony, a revered Clarenville family doctor | | | | |
| for years, met an untimely death. | | | | Establish networks |
| Only a few weeks ago, I had seen him walk in our | | | | Communicate with your relatives as often as possible. |
| neighborhood with Donna. He then greeted us with | | | | Through phone, e-mail, and chat, you're just a few |
| his signature broad grin and vibrant demeanor. | | | | seconds away from your long lost friends and |
| Not too long ago, he had just referred patients to | | | | acquaintances. |
| my clinic, patients who he cared for all his life, | | | | If possible, you may establish family reunions or |
| patients who respected him with all sincerity. | | | | gatherings to reestablish connection. And for those |
| Having lived in Clarenville most of his productive life, | | | | who can't come, give them a surprise visit. Friends |
| he has somehow inspired me and my wife, and other | | | | and family can make your heart grow healthier. |
| physicians to stay in this nice community. | | | | Create family rituals that can help ease the pain. |
| I even pondered how a fine, promising physician had | | | | Prayers with close friends and family members |
| lived here for 35 years when his options were | | | | provide a peaceful closure to a sudden loss, a solemn |
| endless. When he first arrived and established his | | | | communication with the departed loved one, and a |
| practice here, the community was still undeveloped - | | | | spiritual link with the Heavenly Creator. |
| no paved roads, no malls, no traffic lights, no hospital, | | | | Another effective way to establish connection is to |
| no car dealership, no Creative World, Wal-Mart, | | | | help others. Through volunteering, you can be a part |
| McDonalds, and Tim's. | | | | of a thriving community of helpers and feel a sense |
| But I understand. He loved his patients, adored his | | | | of belonging and purpose. |
| friends and medical colleagues, cherished Clarenville, | | | | |
| and declared this place a home for his loving, adorable | | | | Involve in physical and recreational activities |
| family. Certainly, a wise choice for a man of his | | | | Involve in physical and recreational activities but |
| stature. | | | | obtain enough rest and nutrition. Keep yourself active |
| Now a thriving community outside St. John's, | | | | and stay fit. Eat balanced meal while you maintain an |
| Clarenville and adjacent areas are saddened by his | | | | average of seven hours of sleep. As you know, a |
| sudden departure. For the past few days, I've seen | | | | healthy body keeps emotional problems at bay. |
| many of his patients, friends, and colleagues mourn. | | | | Your hobbies can keep you away from the sad days |
| Many are still in shock, still asking questions, still | | | | ahead so keep on doing them. As well, maintain your |
| groping for answers and explanations. | | | | daily routine. Go to work, church, or social functions |
| But one thing for sure, he is meant to join the | | | | just like before. Do your chores as vigorously as |
| Creator and His Kingdom - a rightful place for him | | | | before the loss. |
| after several years of dedicated service. | | | | But personalize your coping. Do what fits you rather |
| How are we going to cope? | | | | than what fits your next door neighbor. Don't jog a |
| | | | 10-km distance if you haven't done so for years. |
| Express your emotions | | | | |
| Recognize and share the pain. It's normal and proper | | | | Put loss into perspective |
| to express your sorrow to a confidant or to a few | | | | Any loss is painful. In fact, just losing a pen can be a |
| close friends and relatives who can relate. Cry if you | | | | big hassle especially if your work requires writing. |
| feel doing so. | | | | However, if we try to redirect our pain and loss to |
| Accept that healing takes time. Any emotional pain | | | | giving, sharing, and loving, then the pain becomes a |
| that results from death requires days, weeks, or | | | | gain. Suddenly, the emotional pain enters a spiritual |
| even months to cure. Although majority of people | | | | dimension never before experienced. |
| feel better after a few weeks, some remain sad for | | | | Dr. Annette Colby says, "To share and expand love |
| several months. Don't feel bad if you don't recover | | | | with all life on this incredible earth, we begin with |
| as fast as others. It's not your fault. As you probably | | | | ourselves. We serve others when we become living, |
| know, people have different emotional make-up and | | | | breathing, walking examples of inspired, excited lives. . |
| hence, have different recovery time. But time is your | | | | . The magic spreads as we become the magic." |
| ally. Gradually and surely, you will recover. | | | | Yes, one way to deal with a loss is to selflessly open |
| Don't feel guilty about the loss. I know that you're | | | | ourselves to others, and share the magic that lies |
| probably thinking what you should have or could have | | | | within us. |
| done while your loved one was still alive. But if you've | | | | Albert, thanks for your dedication and inspiration. So |
| tried to be normal and to be you all this time, you | | | | long. |
| don't have anything to worry about. Your departed | | | | |