Grief
Framing Photos
After my father died, family members went through the hundred or so matted photos that my dad had prepared and took their favorites to keep. My grandson had several and for his birthday, asked to have them framed. Today he gathered up his stack of prints and I took him to the local craft store. […]
Faith in Grief
I heard from a friend of mine today that her husband passed away. I met them years ago. My mother was participating in the Parkinson’s exercise class and so was my friend’s husband. He was having a very difficult time already back then – particularly with falling. He even fell during the class. My friend […]
Angel Feather
My daughter in law has been understandably struggling with the loss of her mother. She shared a very sweet and moving story the other day about a heavenly sign just for her. Here it is in her words. Today I didn’t really go anywhere. My car only went to drop off and pick up the […]
Saving Memories
After my dad died just over a year and a half ago, my mom and I collected all the cards and tokens of thoughtfulness in a basket. We tried to keep them organized and sent out thank you notes. On one of the dressers in my mom’s room, we placed the patriotic blanket that we […]
Self Care
I was talking with my counselor today and reflecting on what it means to take care of myself. I had been attending a caregiver group at the Aging Center for a couple of years, which was helpful to some degree. After my dad died last year, I knew I was a mess. I tried a […]
Death, Where is Your Sting
Yesterday I attended a memorial service for a friend’s mother. She and her husband lost 3 of their parents in about a year and a half. I thought about them the rest of the evening and dreamed about loved ones who have died. I woke up this morning feeling might low. I felt that it […]
Together
After my son’s family found out that his wife’s mother died, his wife and oldest son flew back East to be with the rest of her family. The younger two children stayed and finished up their school year this week. This morning I took my son and the two kids to the airport so they […]
To the Cemetery
My mom has been wanting to get out to the cemetery for the past couple of days, but she hasn’t felt good and the weather has not cooperated. Today, it was chilly, but the wind was not blowing. Mom felt ok after lunch, so we decided to go. I bought her some flowers the other […]
Grateful for a Sad Heart
The other day, a friend of mine wrote that she was “grateful for a sad heart” after her aunt passed away. That statement seemed like an oxymoron. Today my parents would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. We all had sad hearts here. I pondered my friend’s gratitude as, to me, the pain my mom […]
Grateful For People and Healing
It had been a very long time since I went for a walk outside, so was very happy to go out with friend today. Evidently it had been a very long time since we caught up. We walked and talked and it felt wonderful. As I recounted what I had been up to, I found […]
Still Finding God 