Dear Journal,
Yesterday was hard. I had to push through the afternoon of work and then dinner and family time. I hate that family time is so hard right now. It’s something I have to talk myself through almost daily while navigating grief and motherhood. We still have to live and make fun time, even though we may want to curl up into a closet and cry… or at least I do.
I received a response about the grievance I submitted to the hospital that accepted and treated my mom in her final days. Their response felt like it tip-toed around my concerns and was filled with sympathy for my family and me, along with stellar feedback about their top surgeon. There was nothing addressing the two treatment plans that were created in the ER after her arrival or the events that occurred during her time in the emergency room.
I responded quickly, asking for specific updates and clarity about that period of care. I probably should have spent more time thinking through my response, but grief doesn’t always allow space for perfect words. I haven’t heard back since.
Losing someone you love is so hard. Losing a parent is devastating. Knowing that things could have been better in the hospital makes the grief even heavier. I am not clinical, but I do work in healthcare, and that perspective makes this loss feel even more complicated.
I truly feel like the healthcare system failed my family, and I hope the hospital will acknowledge at least some fault. Recognition of the problem matters. Accountability matters. If anything, I hope this can help prevent another family from experiencing the same pain and unanswered questions we now live with.
I hope that if others find themselves in a similar situation—grieving a loved one while questioning medical care—they feel empowered to do the same. Voice your concerns. Share your feedback. Advocate for change so healthcare can do better for families walking through loss.
❤️
Much love,
The Shattered & Glowing Mama