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…
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…
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…