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…
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…
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…
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…
Recognize What Affects Your Grief

Do You Have The Kind Of Support System You Need?

A significant aspect of how we process grief is what kind of support system we have in our lives. Our support system is affected by different aspects that may include stage of life, personality, and community. Stage of Life When we are young, parents are a natural part of a child’s support system. Parents…
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…