When Jack McPeck first contacted EndNotes, it was through our gmail email address and he sounded a bit angry in the email. I forget why. But we emailed over the months and he softened and finally, we were able to meet and I ran this story Saturday about the group he's involved in The Compassionate Friends.
After spending time with him for the interview, I realized that Jack's passion to help other parents grieve sometimes comes across as a sort of anger. And that's why I called him a grief activist. I've met others.
They don't have time anymore for small talk, bs of any kind, judgment or superficiality. They have suffered what some consider the greatest loss — the loss of a child — and they have a strong desire to help other navigate their special version of hell.
Was happy to finally connect with Jack. I learned a lot more from him than reflected in the short story.
Thanks Jack.
Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with Catherine Johnston, an Olympia, Wash., writer who works in hospital administration, write about issues of grief when facing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.
Ask a question: Rebecca and Catherine answer grief questions in their syndicated EndNotes column for McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. Email them at endnotescolumn@gmail.com.
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