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Oso strong

Workers and volunteers search for articles and belongings at the scene of the deadly March 22 mudslide, Monday, March 31, 2014, in Oso, Wash. The number of confirmed dead has reached 24. More than two dozen people remain missing, authorities have said. (Sofia Jaramillo / Pool The Herald)
Workers and volunteers search for articles and belongings at the scene of the deadly March 22 mudslide, Monday, March 31, 2014, in Oso, Wash. The number of confirmed dead has reached 24. More than two dozen people remain missing, authorities have said. (Sofia Jaramillo / Pool The Herald)

The digging, the waiting, the mud continues.

The names of the deceased appear, the names of the missing posted.

What happens to a community when so many simply vanish? How do we come to understand the catastrophe? When overcome with grief, how does someone survive?

One takes small steps, uncertain of the stability of each day, for the terrain of one’s heart has shifted and one’s world altered forever. Grief, like cleanup, requires small steps, lots of rest and a community who loves without reservation. 

(S-R photo)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.