We sat as a family along with close friends near Carrie’s body the morning she died. We talked about her and told stories. I remember my youngest son bringing a building block model into the room then setting on the floor putting it together. Some might think that it was out of place to see … Continue reading Are You My Mother? : Childhood Grief
Really? A Night at the Theatre about a Terminal Illness
I enjoy live theater. There is something about the live interaction and the energy between the characters and the audience that draws me into the experience. Last week I visited a local theater to watch the world premier of a play. On this occasion, the story was set in a hospital waiting room where a woman … Continue reading Really? A Night at the Theatre about a Terminal Illness
Today or Tomorrow?
It’s a quiet Saturday late afternoon at home. Other than the occasional traffic noise from the street or the clip-clop of footsteps up or down the stairs my home is serene. I sat for a few moments wondering if this is my new normal. The old normal, when Carrie was here, is gone….and with it, … Continue reading Today or Tomorrow?
Grief: States not Stages
It has been said that grief from the death of a loved one is very individualized and personal. If it hasn’t been said then I just said it! While it is true that grief is individualized there is enough similarity in everyone’s grief to be able to understand most grief journeys. I said able, not easy. My … Continue reading Grief: States not Stages
Spiritual Battlefield Resiliency
I am battle wounded. It’s not the first time but it is the most serious wound to date. I was not wounded on some distant battlefield; my wounds occurred right here in my hometown. What war is being waged in Mid-Michigan? The war against sin, of course. My wound is serious, the death of a … Continue reading Spiritual Battlefield Resiliency
THE Anniversary and An Afirmation of Life
The day has finally arrived: the one year anniversary of Carrie’s death. Together, me, the boys, and all who have been part of our life have experienced every anniversary during the last twelve months. There was mother’s day, the birthdays, wedding anniversary, the holidays, and many private anniversaries. Each met with warm, wonderful memories as … Continue reading THE Anniversary and An Afirmation of Life
A Year Ago: Remembered
A year ago today, January 7, I was in a hospital room with Carrie as her body was steadily failing. The prognosis had gone from a fair chance of surgery which would heal her to maintenance of the spreading cancer to a few more months of life then, finally, to imminent death within a day or … Continue reading A Year Ago: Remembered
A “Tweet-Up” and Grief over Newtown
I was invited to a “tweet up” the other night… I know, I had never heard about one of those either. I don’t know if there is an official definition but from my experience a “tweet up” is where a few smart people and me get together (at this tweet up there was a clinical psychologist, … Continue reading A “Tweet-Up” and Grief over Newtown
Fingers and Single Parenting
Fingers… reddened joints. swollen. painful. I’m caregiving again. To an elderly person with Rheumatoid Arthritis you might ask. I would answer, nope, just to my pre-teen son suffering an allergic reaction to some medication. Caregiving or at least worry includes a couple of sleepless nights checking often to make sure he’s still breathing. This activity … Continue reading Fingers and Single Parenting
think relationally... 