Grief on Holiday

Occasionally, during a tour a guest may experience an emotional breakdown.  I can imagine that around 30 former guests reading this might think it’s about them, but really, it’s about all of us. There’s something about travel that cracks us open.  As if our minds and hearts take note of the fact that we have removed ourselves from our comfort zones and say, “Great, there’s something I’ve been meaning to bring up…”  It doesn’t happen every trip, or maybe it does and I’m not always privy to the moment.  But I keep a four pack of tissues in my bag at all times.  Sometimes I see quiet tears and will just place a packet of tissues in their hand.  Sometimes it’s so apparent that I have to address it. 

Usually when I get into the conversation the person’s response is an attempt to suck in the feelings and get themselves under control.  I personally don’t have any issues with tears on my bus.  It happens to all of us.  I don’t see sadness as a condition that needs to be corrected.  It’s part of the human experience and needs just that.  To be experienced.  Just sit with it for a while. 

I’ve had that feeling that happiness seems to be fleeting and ephemeral.  So is sadness.  They are both temporary conditions.  Honestly, I’m writing this but I’m still working on letting my feelings just be.  So maybe the next time sadness seems to overwhelm me, I’ll do what I try to do for my guests.  Get them hydrated, get them some time to sleep, assure them it’s okay to be sad and that it will pass.  I’ve done this enough times to know that the data is there.  It will pass. And make like Sheldon Cooper and fix a hot beverage!