In less than two months, I’ll turn 65; a sobering fact. As I look back over my life from this vantage point, I can clearly see how loss, and the grief it provoked, has shaped many of the choices I made. Loss came in all forms: the loss of innocence due to childhood sexual abuse, the end of a career, ill health, divorce, the end of friendships and, of course, death. Chances are good, if you’re a Boomer too, you’ve also experienced a significant amount of loss in your life. And, if you’re like me; … [Read more...] about How to Cope with Grief and Loss
grief recovery
How to Get Through Grief and the Holidays
This time of year can be trying without the added challenge of crippling grief during the holidays. The season of firsts without your loved one is a journey, and then the added pressure of taxes looming, added expenses of exchanging gifts, travel, and just the day to day. Here's a few tips we've learned over the years that helped ease the pain. Gift Giving and Memorial Contributions: Consider a memorial contribution donated in the name of the deceased that will pay it forward to a needy … [Read more...] about How to Get Through Grief and the Holidays
Father’s Day and the Circle of Life
Father's Day is quickly approaching and for those whose dads are no longer alive, a sadness is cast over the day. My father died unexpectedly in 2001 at the young age of 73. He was very sick and found out it was cancer, but it was too late to do anything about it. He passed away within a week or so of the diagnosis. I am his youngest daughter out of eight children, and I live the furthest away. As a born and bred Ohioan, he was very true to his faith and himself. He struggled and worked very … [Read more...] about Father’s Day and the Circle of Life
Surviving Mother’s Day When You’ve Lost a Child
A few years ago one of my friends attended her 22 year old sons' funeral on Mother's Day. She still has not recovered and as you can imagine Mother's Day is a difficult day. She had high hopes for her son, so smart and handsome. But the last few years, he had been in and out of rehab and was in the process of completing treatment that spring. The facility was out of state and when in contact with his mother he sounded bright about his future and looked forward to coming home and working in … [Read more...] about Surviving Mother’s Day When You’ve Lost a Child
Mother’s Day Can Be Difficult When You’ve Lost a Child
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and for those whose moms are no longer here, the day holds painful reminders of those losses. Mother's Day is also a very difficult time for women whose children died. The sentiments alone expressed on that day are enough for many to question their roles of motherhood, especially if the young one who died was their only child. If you or someone you know are in this situation, the first thing to remember is that a mother is and always will be a mom, no … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Can Be Difficult When You’ve Lost a Child