There's no easy way...

There just isn't any good way to tell someone that a loved one has died.

This morning I got a phone call from my uncle letting me know that a relative I didn't know has passed away. Since we're staying at my mom's house right now, it became my job to call her and tell her at work. I may not have known the relative, but she was cherished and loved by my mom. And so I struggled. Do I call her at work? Do I show up at her office?

She's not in her "normal" office today, and so I ruled out just showing up since I wouldn't know where to find her. I got her on the phone and made small talk for a minute about trying to meet for lunch, but then I realized that I couldn't sit on the news til lunch time. And so out it came. In an unglorious, "Mom, Uncle Bill just called and ......." No soft landing, nothing gentle about my words just out with them. I didn't know how else to say it.

And really, no matter what I said, the news was still sad. It was still going to set her mind reeling about funeral arrangements, the well-being of other family members, and travel plans.

So, Mom, I hope I wasn't too blunt, I tried my best. I hope you know that we love you and are praying for Joanne and all the family. And I will ask Our Lady to take especially good care of you all in the next few days. And while there isn't any good way to have to deliver bad news, there is always God and the Blessed Mother to help us when we receive it.