Traditions are very important to our families, and we may share large and small ones throughout the year. Some may be in conjunction with significant events like a graduation or a wedding, and others occur annually on birthdays and holidays….
There’s a vacant seat by the fire,” Those words of Dickens say, In place of the child no longer here to join the holiday. So we’ll open our priceless memories, Like precious gifts to share, We’ll rejoice in these and…
“What’s the worst thing someone ever said to you?” I’ve gotten this question so many times in the twenty-seven years since I lost my son Christopher. Newly bereaved parents often asked it in disbelief after well-meaning friends and relatives said exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. Older grievers, like me, sometimes…
As I type this, the nip in the October air is a reminder that the major holidays are just around the corner. Halloween paraphernalia has been in the stores since July with Christmas decorations right behind them. For those of…
Death, especially unexpected death, changes one’s life in ways that cannot be anticipated. With the death of someone close, one’s world is forever changed. One analogy I have found myself using with clients is the following: If you were to…
Time between summer and winter, Time under changing skies – Muted and heavy with foresight, Or endless blue, smiling at butterflies. Time between summer and winter, Time between laughter and tears – Harvest of beauty remembered, And voices (where are…
Labor Day – The unofficial end of summer. The time by which we need to have new school clothes and supplies. The time to begin meeting new teachers and new friends. The time to what? Watch with tear-filled eyes as…
The quality of one’s life is not determined by length but by depth…what that person brought to this world while they were here. I can proudly say that in the 17 years that my son Brian was here on earth…
Child loss is a loss like no other. One often misunderstood by many. If you love a bereaved parent or know someone who does, remember that even his or her “good” days are harder than you could ever imagine. Compassion…
For the bereaved parent, May is frequently the cruelest month. The month of May offers the rest of the world a promise of another carefree summer, swimming, family vacations, relaxation, reading, cook-outs and picnics, trips to the lake and so…
