The closer the days move toward Christmas the stronger my grieving heart begins to roar. I’ve been able to keep it subdued and quiet as the weeks have approached. Not intentionally, but it’s been there, bubbling just below the surface. This year I’ve been able to joyfully celebrate the reason for this season – theContinue reading “Christmas Joy and Sorrow”
Tag Archives: #bereavedparents
Wounded Souls Hurt More at Christmas
The impact of grief appears in many different ways. Yet it’s the state of our heart that suffers most. No matter how long we’ve been walking this grief journey, it seems that wounded souls hurt more at Christmas. When a heart is hurting, even the twinkling lights, pretty colors, and beautiful songs don’t seem toContinue reading “Wounded Souls Hurt More at Christmas”
The Empty Chair
As we approach Thanksgiving many of us will look upon the empty chair at the table. The hole deep within our heart will now be staring openly at us. Holidays are hard. If you are early on in your grief journey you may wonder how you’re going to get through the day. The empty chairContinue reading “The Empty Chair”
Healing My Heart: Step by Small Step
A few years ago, I found myself walking a path no one ever dreams of taking– the grief journey due to child loss. Although death is part of the circle of life, child loss, which is an out of order death is particularly heart-breaking. When my daughter, Melanie ran ahead to heaven unexpectedly my heartContinue reading “Healing My Heart: Step by Small Step”
What is Heaven Like? I Can Only Imagine
Since your loved one died have you found yourself thinking about heaven? I have to admit I never thought about it much … until my girl was no longer walking this earth. Once I could no longer see her with my natural eyes my wonder about heaven increased exponentially. Who will I see when IContinue reading “What is Heaven Like? I Can Only Imagine”
What Does Healing from Grief Really Mean?
One of the recent heartfelt questions I’ve been asked by other moms who find themselves on the grief journey is, will I ever get over this intense feeling of grief and sadness? Which has led to the next question: what does healing from grief really mean? There have certainly been times when I’ve asked myselfContinue reading “What Does Healing from Grief Really Mean?”
Knocked Down, But Not Knocked Out
I’ve often said that walking through the grief journey is like the ocean; it comes in waves. While that is still true, I’ve often felt more like a boxer in the middle of the ring, fighting for my life. Knocked down, but not knocked out! As I continue to move onward there are still momentsContinue reading “Knocked Down, But Not Knocked Out”
After Loss: Battling Worry and the What If Scenarios
It seems like I am continually learning lessons as I walk this grief journey. One of those lessons is something I will freely admit I still struggle with. After loss, how can we battle worry and the what if scenarios that can plague our minds? Recently, it became very apparent to me that the traumaContinue reading “After Loss: Battling Worry and the What If Scenarios”
Are You Over Your Grief Yet?
Recently I was the guest speaker at an event and after it was over someone came up and asked me exactly that question: Are you over your grief yet? The question seemed to come from a pure place and seemed quite sincere, yet it momentarily took me by surprise. It’s been a while since someoneContinue reading “Are You Over Your Grief Yet?”
Searching for Hope During Loss
Have you ever lost someone you love? Have you found yourself on this dark, lonely road called grief, searching for hope during loss? From the moment I first heard the words, “your daughter Melanie is deceased” my life as I knew it was forever changed. If you have suffered an unexpected loss you know exactlyContinue reading “Searching for Hope During Loss”
The Dance of Grief
Every time I think about dancing I think of happy times, like dancing with my husband at our wedding. Or the fun times I had as a young girl attending the Friday night dances at church. But did you ever equate dancing with grief? I didn’t until recently. While watching an awards show on televisionContinue reading “The Dance of Grief”
Where Are You God?
At some point in our lives, we will all experience the loss of a loved one. Whether it be a parent, a spouse, or like me, the unexpected loss of a child. Death summons up the deepest of emotions and can make the strongest believer question their faith. Have you ever found yourself asking, “WhereContinue reading “Where Are You God?”
Trying to Process the Incomprehensible
Typically, the end of May is a time to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. We attend end of school parties, graduations, and summertime vacation plans are made. Instead, this year as many across our nation begin this tradition, there are 21 families in a small town in southern Texas whoseContinue reading “Trying to Process the Incomprehensible”
Labeling Grief: Normal vs. Complicated
Grief is difficult, intricate, and very complex. I think anyone walking this grief journey would surely agree. But did you know that someone actually labeled grief, normal vs. complicated? The reference suggests that the type of grief a person has is dependent on the amount of time one has been grieving? Apparently medical science hasContinue reading “Labeling Grief: Normal vs. Complicated”
The Aftershocks of a Holiday
I’m sure there are many of us breathing a sigh of relief this week. Holidays are hard without our loved ones. There is so much anticipation and expectation associated with each one. Mother’s Day can be very bittersweet. Maybe you’re a person without a mother. Or maybe you’re a mother without your child. Either way,Continue reading “The Aftershocks of a Holiday”
How a Mess Can Become Your Message
Have you ever asked yourself, Why Me? Perhaps you’ve wondered why your life has unfolded like it has. Do you feel as if your life is a mess? Maybe you’ve looked around and it appeared as if everyone around you seemed to be living their best life, except you. I’m not suggesting we beginContinue reading “How a Mess Can Become Your Message”
Will Our Grief Really Last Forever?
When we lose someone we love I think it’s absolutely natural to feel as though our grief will last forever. I know I have felt that way and have voiced this exact sentiment to others who have lost loved ones. But will our grief really last forever? I believe the answer to that is aContinue reading “Will Our Grief Really Last Forever?”
Triggers: Reliving My Nightmare in Room 221
Recently I heard a local news report which involved the Medical Examiner who attended Melanie when she died. Apparently his parents and 19 year old son were murdered. Sadly he found them. Soon after hearing this I woke up in the middle of the night with a very heavy heart. There are still nights whenContinue reading “Triggers: Reliving My Nightmare in Room 221”
How Many Children Do You Have?
Sounds like a simple enough question, doesn’t it? Well, to most people it is simple. But, if you’re a parent whose child died this is no longer just a simple question. When walking this grief journey how do you answer the question, “How many children do you have?” How many of you remember the firstContinue reading “How Many Children Do You Have?”
Grieve With Hope: What Does it Mean?
I first heard the term “grieving with hope” when my pastor called the day after Melanie died. I didn’t recall hearing that before, but today I cling to it like my own personal life preserver. Why? Because it means I will see my daughter again. It means that this isn’t the end. I will getContinue reading “Grieve With Hope: What Does it Mean?”