https://www.compassionatefriends.org/memorial_wall/oakland-california-karen-harris/
Always missing our beloved son Aaron Colin who was the light of our world. It has been 12 years since he passed away at 23 years old, running the beach with his brother, He brought so much joy, fun and…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/andy-mcniel-appointed-ceo-of-the-compassionate-friends/
The Board of Directors of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is excited to announce the appointment of Andy McNiel as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. A resident of Stuart, Florida, Andy brings TCF more than 30 years of leadership experience in…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/heart-connections-grief-through-growth/
The process of grieving a significant death takes a person through many stages and changes. While each person grieves uniquely, some experiences are common. A substantial loss, such as the death of our child, sibling, or grandchild, impacts our whole…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/does-healing-apply-to-grief/
(Names of people quoted in this article have been changed to protect confidentiality.) “What is it like, this grief, after you’ve healed?” The question came from Marcia, whose son, Mark, died 7 months ago, suddenly and with no prior symptoms,…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/heart-connections-grief-and-our-senses/
Grief is defined as the emotional response that follows loss. While grief is intensely emotional, it is also physical, psychological, and spiritual. Most bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents experience these multi-faceted aspects of grief. Many bereaved people also feel a…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/limp-stockings-and-empty-chairs/
The holiday season after a loved one dies is exhausting. It is exhausting because the poignancy of each ornament, stocking, favorite dessert, and Christmas tree farm outing, crystallizes the pain of their absence and their continued presence in relentlessly concrete,…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/memorial/philadelphia-ny-nancy-ortiz/
Franco was the oldest of five siblings. He loved music—you could always find him with his AirPods on. He also loved TV and movies. One of his favorite shows was Breaking Bad and Succession. He played football all through middle…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/traditions-what-to-keep-and-what-to-let-go-2/
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….
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/the-empty-chair-seven-lessons-gained-in-sibling-loss-2/
I never meant to become any sort of expert in sibling loss. That’s not a path anyone would willingly choose for themselves. Back in high school, I remember standing in the funeral home at my friend’s wake. After hugging his…
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/an-open-letter-to-grandparents/
Dear Grandparents, We grandparents are put into the unenviable double role with the death of a grandchild. Not only do we lose a grandchild, but we find ourselves in the helpless position of watching our children grieve the loss of…
