Tea For The Heart, A Grieving Mother’s Gathering

Tea For The Heart, A Grieving Mother’s Gathering

Seven years and four months ago, I entered a new world, the world of child loss. I never would have imagined that what followed would be filled with so many unexpected moments. Moments of tears of sorrow and joy. Moments of deep connection over honest conversations. Moments of gratitude for…
When planning the future seems impossible without you

A New Year Without You

A New Year is typically a time for resolutions—intentions to do something new. Some resolutions include improving one's health, getting out of debt, going back to school, or spending more time with loved ones. I often wonder, in the midst of grief, what a New Year’s resolution might look like…
My Year In Review

Beauty From Ashes: Reviewing My Year

2024 is rapidly coming to an end. It is a year full of changes, challenges, and comfort. So, before moving into 2025, I wanted to stop and remember. To thank God for the times He has met me, for the friends he has put in my life along the way,…
I Will Never Forget The First Time I Heard That Song

I Will Never Forget The First Time I Heard That Song

Music is a universal language. It is a reflection of the heart and touches the soul, and in seasons of grief, it opens a valve to our emotions. So, it is no surprise that artists have found healing through music over the years. It seems each season, I have found…
Quilted memories

Making Meaning In The Midst of Grief

December 16th is a date that will live in infamy, at least in my life. It represents the day our precious Bryan went to Heaven. The day I thought my heart would stop beating; the day our lives changed forever; and it is something else: it is the day of…
Unexpected nature of loss

Thanksgiving Surprise – Are Your Senses High Strung?

The holiday season is full of landmines for those in the midst of grief. I will never forget our first Thanksgiving after Bryan died. I was looking forward to having both of my girls home. Robin, my oldest, called to ask if they could bring their dog. I knew my…
Anticipating Mothers Day

Are You Excited About Mother’s Day? Maybe Not

April Showers bring May Flowers. Do you know what else the end of April and heading into May bring? Mother’s Day. President Woodrow Wilson established Mother's Day as a national holiday in 1912. Anna Jarvis was credited with the idea as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their…
Easter Past

Easter Through the Lens of Grief

Easter Past I love Easter. As our kids grew up, it was almost a sacred time. After church on Easter Sunday, we would go to my folk's house for lunch, an Easter egg hunt, and family photos. The kids would line in age order to take pictures. Then, they would…
Avoiding Road Rage and Embracing Gapers

Grieving Into The Holidays – Ragers and Gapers

Part Two As you drive through the holidays, you not only face speedbumps (things you can anticipate may be headed your way) and potholes (things you don’t see coming) but there are other drivers on the road. Every driver you pass is on a journey as well. Each can potentially…