Another Goodbye

Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago has moved to a new building. Which turns out to be hard on the hearts of some grieving family members whose deceased children were treated there, lived there, died there. So the hospital staff set up a farewell ceremony for the building itself.

To cushion the psychic blow of the old building’s loss, the hospital staff organized a “closing reception for bereaved families” on Sunday afternoon on the rooftop of the parking deck overlooking the hospital.

We did not go. The building didn't inspire that depth of feeling in us. But I understand how it happens.

All that emotion
of love and devotion
can fasten on a place
that calls to mind the face
of the one
who is gone.