For those of you who read about how I may have lied to people last year, when I said “I’m fine” during the period when my brother was dying, you have some insight into my grief before my brother’s death.
There were things I needed to clarify in relation to his estate, and I was tasked with finding out specifics.
So what d’you think I did, as a Probate specialist? Pick up the phone and check with a colleague? No. I couldn’t physically speak about my brother without becoming inconsolable. I had to email and explain I can’t talk about this, but please could I ask this question or that question. I even said, please don’t call me.
Which means I now understand if you’re grieving and simply can’t discuss things during your working week. I couldn’t.
As a consequence, I now feel happy, no privileged, to speak with a grieving family at the weekend, if that’s what you need to do.
I’m actually very good to myself in terms of work life balance, but I now recognise the very real reluctance to have a telephone conversation which may include tears and a gulp of air. It may not feel like an option during the traditional office day.
Please, if you need to chat things through and you’re still hurting, as you probably always will, request a conversation at the weekend, if that helps.
You can drop me a line at Jane@jcwillsandprobate.co.uk or you can give me a tinkle on 01727 840 240 and I’ll do all I can to help you.
And to clarify, just because we speak at the weekend doesn’t change the fact it’s a free chat until you agree otherwise in advance. There is no charge to chat with me, not even at the weekend.