Anybody who has ever lost somebody close to them knows the pain of wishing you could pick up the phone and call them one last time, just to hear their voice and have a casual, happy conversation.
The thought of seeing their name flash across your phone just one more time to tell you something is intoxicating.
TikToker Faith Sidman (@faithsidman1) was excited seeing her sister's name pop up on her phone. She got a text from her deceased sister whose phone she would text on occasion saying how much she loved and missed her.
When she opened the text, she got a cold surprise.
@faithsidman1 at least i got to see her name pop up on my phone one last time :-)
Sidman explained she was sad, but didn't blame the business.
@faithsidman1/TikTok
The people of TikTok—despite Sidman's lack of anger at the person who responded—did not share that sentiment.
They were instead livid at the icy response she received.
“I just know your heart dropped seeing her name pop up...I’m sorry baby,” wrote one person.
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
The act of texting or talking to a loved one Is shown to be extremely helpful to processing grief.
“I will sometimes encourage my clients to speak to an empty chair in an effort to help them cope with grief," said Dr. Alison Forti, an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University, to Teen Vogue.
"Many people will experience a sense of disbelief after they lose a loved one. By encouraging people to speak out loud to their loved one it helps them resolve that disbelief.”
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
What's worse, the loss of an outlet of grief such as this one can have further consequences for the grieving person.
“When a relationship is ripped away from us through death, it takes the heart time to let go,” said counselor Dr. Sherrie Campbell.
“We still have things left unsaid, emotions and experiences we want to share, things to get closure on and a place to receive or feel a sense of connection and comfort."
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
@faithsidman1/TikTok
Sidman posted a follow-up video in which she said she didn't expect the video to blow up, and she doesn't know the name of the business nor would she feel comfortable sharing it if she did.
"I do appreciate everyone, I know it's pure intentions, and I really appreciate the sweet words, but that's that. I don't feel comfortable sharing the number or finding the business."
Our hearts are with Sidman as she continues to process her grief.
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