At 54 years old, Murlin has lived a life shaped by joy, routine, companionship—and loss. When she was younger, Murlin loved working, cooking, and exploring nature. But when her husband, Richard, passed away at the age of 63, his absence left a deep emptiness in her everyday life. “I love cooking, but now I only cook about two days a week,” she shared. Married at 18, she and Richard spent 36 years together building a life full of love. “Our relationship was very good. In life you argue, and the road has ups and downs, but he was always calm and kind.” 

 

The grief Murlin experienced after Richard’s death was overwhelming. “I didn’t know losing someone was so hard. My body hurt, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t even brush my teeth.” Returning to work and normal routines felt impossible, and some family members withdrew or placed blame, which only deepened her pain. Yet moments of compassion made a difference. For instance, her boss visited her in the hospital, held her, and reminded her that healing takes time and that she would recover. Such small acts of care helped her feel supported when words alone could not.

 

Through this journey, Murlin has come to understand the true meaning of empathy. “Kind means all good things. Do good for people, and people do good for you,” she said. Her children continue to help and comfort her, and she believes empathy is about presence and understanding, not just words. Reflecting on her own experience, she offers advice to others: even though the pain feels unbearable, you’re not alone—find someone who will support you and help you through the loss. Murlin’s story reminds us that empathy doesn’t erase pain, but it can help make  that pain more bearable.