Grief and sorrow are our companions after the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild. There is no place within where we can hide from, ignore, or push our deep pain. We may try to shove down our grief or…
We used to live in a townhouse, one of those inventions designed to minimize housekeeping chores, mortgage payments and a tendency to accumulate more things than one needs to cross the Sahara in summer. We moved there because I liked…
As the holidays approach, we are reminded of the importance of caring for each other, especially this time of the year, when our pain of loss can seem the most unbearable. At The Compassionate Friends, we offer support and comfort…
Only a month after Daniel’s death, Thanksgiving arrived, full of symbols of plentiful harvest and thankfulness, while we felt bereft of everything. We fled to Maryland. There, among the many around my sister’s table, Daniel’s empty place stood out less…
The Oxford English dictionary defines “remember” as to “have in or be able to bring one’s mind an awareness of someone or something from the past.” I have thought a lot about remembering or memory since our son Mack died…
I have just passed the 26th year of missing my son, Adam. He was a pilot and died while giving a lesson to a student. He had an engine problem and could not survive when they landed. Adam was only…
Grief is felt and experienced differently depending on the time frame since the death of your child, sibling, or grandchild. It’s common to feel overwhelmed and hopeless at any time, but especially when the loss is more recent. When those…
A balloon flew out of my car trunk today Just took flight soaring away Watching the balloon as it flew The horrible pain came back just like The day we had to physically let you go. I watched that balloon…
My son and I always enjoyed the autumn season. Yes, when we lived in the cold zone, we knew that winter’s winds and snows were on the way. But, yet, we took time to enjoy the beautiful array of colors…
July brings Central Oregonians lingering blue skies, lazy afternoons and the Fourth of July celebration, complete with the grand fireworks finale bolting from the top of Pilot Butte. This was one of my son’s favorite holidays. When he was six…