Content warning: This article contains mentions of bereavement experiences, including loss of a parent.

When my mother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67 this February, I could barely process the thoughts needed to pack for the journey to Pittsburgh, let alone think about what work I would be missing in the foreseeable future. I knew I had workshops to give for both my university job and consulting business, writing retreats to lead, meetings to attend. But it was all a blur. I had no idea how long I would be gone or what mental state I would be in when I returned. In a fog, I sent emails to cancel events and ask our office administrative assistant to clear my calendar.