“Tell me about your person”

I’ve been reflecting on a panel discussion I moderated last week at a virtual conference. The panel was made up of two widows and a widower, all of whom offered their stories and advice to fundraisers in how to approach and interact (with empathy) with grieving donors. I’m fairly certain that I learned as much from the panel as any of the attendees. 

Holly, one of the panelists shared a personal story and a brilliant piece of advice. She spoke about interacting with people in a networking situation and people she knew not really understanding how to interact with her after her wife’s death. Then, at this same event, being in conversation whom she’d just met, who said the magic words “tell me about her”. Holly expressed that the interest and words were so authentic that she felt seen/heard for the first time that evening. This interaction obviously didn’t take any of the pain away, but it did allow Holly to share stories of her wife, Julia. I wonder if the other individual in this conversation knew what a gift he’d provided to Holly...

“Tell me about your person”... seems so easy doesn’t it?