As I contemplated reposting this, I realized the significance of discussing grief in the workplace. Losing someone you interact with daily, suddenly and unexpectedly, is incredibly difficult to process. We spend the majority of our time with colleagues, sometimes more than with our own families. Shannon's passing was a profound shock, and I found myself shedding tears at my desk, trying to carry on with work. This was my first experience of grief at work. I was tasked with organizing grief counselors to come on-site and their presence was pivotal in helping us navigate the complex stages of grief. My interactions with Shannon were always marked by kindness. She made me feel like part of the ATS family from day one, particularly with her love for sharing sweet treats with the team and daily welcoming gestures. I miss our daily interactions, from sharing laughs to small talk about her kids and daily life. These are the moments I miss the most. Grief is a new territory for me, a maze of emotions that demand to be felt and acknowledged. It doesn't adhere to a timeline; reminders can bring the pain rushing back as if it happened yesterday. Working through that week was one of the toughest challenges I've EVER faced. I'm grateful for the time off my workplace provided afterward, allowing me to reset and connect with activities that brought solace. Even now, I'm still processing Shannon's death. To those unexpectedly navigating grief in the workplace, I offer this: take time off, lean on your support network, welcome your feelings and know that ALL your feelings are valid.
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved colleague, Shannon McCarville-Lau. Her departure from our midst leaves a profound void in our hearts and in our team. Shannon was more than just a colleague; she was a cherished member of our work-family, a friend, and beloved presence in our workplace. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication touched all of us who had the privilege to work alongside her. A memorial service to honor Shannon's life will be held on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Oakhill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. All are welcome to attend. If you'd like to contribute to support Shannon's family during this challenging time, you can do so through the following links: Go Fund Me: https://lnkd.in/gXyex-uE Meal Train: https://lnkd.in/gk8MCeTv Our thoughts and prayers are with Shannon's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
