Ringa Ropo, a 59-year-old former long and high jumper, recently shared her experiences of grief during an interview while accompanied by her Siberian husky, Cinderella, or 'Cindy'. Ropo adopted Cindy last year, and she describes the dog as bringing a sense of vitality to her life, especially as her children have moved out and she faces solitude. Initially, Ropo felt equipped to handle her grief after facing multiple personal losses over the years, including the death of a child and the struggles that came with divorce and the passing of friends and family.

However, after the death of her husband, Heikki Herva, from cancer in the spring of 2023, Ropo found herself unprepared for the depth of her sorrow. Despite believing she had the resilience to cope with profound loss due to her previous experiences, she discovered that this instance was different and far more challenging. The reality set in when she attempted to re-enter the workforce but found herself unable to carry on as she had thought she would.

Ropo's story highlights the often-unpredictable nature of grief and serves as a reminder that personal loss can significantly impact one's capacity to function, regardless of past experiences. Her journey underscores the importance of support and understanding during difficult times, emphasizing that even those who seem to have learned to cope may struggle unexpectedly in the face of new tragedies.