Finding Spring Again
We are nearing the end of what has often been a brutal winter. While gazing at the mountains of snow piled high in my front yard and the foot-long icicles hanging from my roof, it is hard to imagine that…
We are nearing the end of what has often been a brutal winter. While gazing at the mountains of snow piled high in my front yard and the foot-long icicles hanging from my roof, it is hard to imagine that…
We are happy to tell you that our hotel block for the 2020 TCF National Conference in Atlanta, GA July 24-26 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis is now officially open! Reservations can be made online or by calling Marriott Reservations…
I vividly remember New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1994… My 15-year-old daughter Nina loved any opportunity for a celebration. She invited a couple of her high school friends over, planned games, tried some new recipes, and bought her customary bottle…
Invite your family and/or friends to do a mourning ritual with you. Gather around a table with a candle in the center After the candle is lit, everyone thinks about two things to share out loud with the rest The…
The Compassionate Friends is currently seeking workshop presenters for the 43rd TCF National Conference that is being held July 24-26, 2020 in Atlanta, GA. We are looking for workshop proposals on a variety of topics for the bereaved parents, siblings,…
As the major holidays approached in late autumn of 1995, I was filled with anxiety and deep sadness. In May of that year, my 15-year-old vivacious and beautiful daughter Nina was senselessly and tragically killed by an alcohol-impaired driver. With…
While most others love summer for its daytime pleasures, such as beach time, golf, picnics and other family outings, personally, I like it at night… on my deck after most others have long gone to bed. I gaze at the…
Shortly after Nina died, I remember well-meaning friends talking to me about hope. My reply was usually, “What was there to have hope about?” The only thing I prayed and hoped for was that my daughter would come back again,…
Having attended 19 National Conferences of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) in a row — from Portland in 1999 to St. Louis in 2018 — I have presented, co-presented or been a panelist on workshops for 17. I was asked by…
As the major holidays approached in the late autumn of 1995, I could feel my anxiety level and deep sadness intensify. Just months before, on my birthday, May 11th, my precious daughter…my Nina…a bright and vivacious 15-year-old with a promising…
