Conversation Between Andrew Garfield and Sesame Street’s Elmo Sheds Light on Grief
Embracing Emotions and Finding Comfort in Memory
Andrew Garfield and Sesame Street’s Elmo recently tackled an emotion rarely discussed in children’s programming: grief. The video of their conversation went viral on X (formerly Twitter), with over 14.2 million views by midday Monday.
A Candid Conversation about Loss and Coping
In the clip, Garfield discusses missing his late mother, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2019. "She passed away not too long ago, and you know, I just miss her," he tells Elmo. Garfield reassures Elmo that feeling upset or grieving someone is OK, stating, "That sadness is kind of a gift… It’s kind of a lovely thing to feel, in a way, because it means you really loved somebody when you miss them."
The Power of Memories in Coping with Loss
Garfield explains that his memories actually help him cope: "When I miss my mom, I remember all of the cuddles I used to get from her, all of the hugs I used to get from her. It makes me feel close to her when I miss her, in a strange way."
The Importance of Listening
Sherry Cormier, a psychologist and author of "Sweet Sorrow: Finding Enduring Wholeness after Loss and Grief," emphasizes the importance of listening in comforting those who are grieving. "Both at the beginning and at the end there is such an emphasis on listening," she says. "Listening is pretty hard to do."
Elmo’s Effective Listening Skills
Elmo begins the conversation by saying he is "checking in on everybody" and wants to know how Garfield is doing. Garfield asks if Elmo is sure he wants to listen, and Elmo responds, "Oh, Elmo would love to!" This is great modeling, as difficult for many people to do, Cormier notes.
The Gift of Listening in Grief
"If we didn’t spend so much time worrying about what to say and what’s the right thing to say and what’s the wrong thing to say and we showed up and just listened, that would be the greatest gift you could give to any person who is grieving a loss," Cormier says.
Conclusion
The conversation between Garfield and Elmo highlights that grief often doesn’t have a finite end and that sadness isn’t altogether negative. Mourning can be complex, and it’s essential to recognize that the cost of having loved someone is the sadness we feel when they’re no longer present.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the video featuring Andrew Garfield and Sesame Street’s Elmo?
A: The video aimed to discuss and process emotions, specifically grief, in a way that is rare in children’s programming.
Q: How did Andrew Garfield feel about his late mother?
A: Garfield discussed missing his late mother and feeling sad, stating that the sadness is a reminder of his love for her.
Q: What is the importance of listening in comforting those who are grieving?
A: Listening is crucial, as it allows the person to feel heard and understood, making it a "greatest gift" they could receive.
Q: What did Karla Vermeulen, an associate professor of psychology, say about the video?
A: She noted that the conversation emphasizes that grief often doesn’t have a finite end and that mourning can be complex, with sadness not being negative.
