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…
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…
What's Your Story

As One Parent To Another, What’s Your Story?

Sharing our stories is one way we keep memories of our loved ones alive. As we tell our stories, we remember not only the hard parts, like their deaths but the joys of their life. I have grown to appreciate those opportunities, just like I enjoy opportunities to tell you…
Five Myths About Grief and The Truth That Will Set You Free

Five Myths About Grief and The Truth That Will Set You Free

Grief is complicated. That might be an understatement. We come into grief with perceptions of how it is supposed to work, but what do we base those perceptions upon? Perhaps as you read some common myths about grief, you will find ones you believe. Maybe it is time to take…
Grief and Mourning

To Grieve or Not To Grieve – Not the Right Question

Grief is defined as “whatever you think and feel inside about the loss. Any thoughts, emotions, physical symptoms, and even unexpected behaviors you are experiencing because of the loss/death are part of your grief.” (Alan Wolfelt) Mourning is when grievers express their grief outside themselves. Mourning is grief inside out.  (Alan Wolfelt) Grief is…
Growth In Loss: Loss Can Trigger Loss, But It Doesn’t Have To

Growth In Loss: Loss Can Trigger Loss, But It Doesn’t Have To

“Loss triggers loss. If you don't learn the art of helpful grieving now, future losses will compound - and continue to derail you.” Rebuild, week 6 Remembering when When it comes to child loss, my first experience came at 20 weeks of pregnancy. I was pregnant with my 3rdchild and went…
Grieve In Helpful Ways

Gifts in the Midst of Grief – Part Two

I am not sure I set out to find "gifts in the midst of grief." I just wanted to survive the brokenness I felt. Yet, I did find a second gift. Grieve in Helpful Ways When Bryan died, I only knew ONE person who had lost a child, Joan. She lived in…