In the Waiting

Although I probably won’t have the opportunity to meet most of you personally, we are still very much connected by one thing – loss. Our hearts are joined by being on this journey together. If you are in the early days of your grief, I’m sure you have a lot of questions, such as: WillContinue reading “In the Waiting”

Stolen Glimpses of Hope

Stolen glimpses of hope. These words were whispered to my heart as I lay in bed at 3:00AM, wondering what I would write about today.  As a writer, I always want a few blogs in my draft folder, just waiting to be published. This alleviates any self-imposed pressure I may feel. As much as IContinue reading “Stolen Glimpses of Hope”

The Great Disappearance of Friends

I love my friends. Some of them are so much more than friends – they’re family. Sisters of the Heart. I would be lost without them. When I think back to when Melanie first ran ahead to Heaven, some friends immediately rushed to my side. I will never forget them, nor the care they providedContinue reading “The Great Disappearance of Friends”

The Strong Influence of Grief

Over the past two weeks, I’ve thought about the strong influence of grief in our lives and the one who makes me strong. After loss, grief shapes how we feel and impacts how we handle difficult situations. Recently, my husband went through a difficult medical situation, which we are still walking through. Although I’m relievedContinue reading “The Strong Influence of Grief”

Time is a Funny Thing

The concept of time can be such a dichotomy. As dinnertime approaches, have you ever turned around and said, “Where did the day go?” I sure have. It’s also interesting how sometimes a day can seem like forever, but then a year can feel like it went by in the blink of an eye. Yes,Continue reading “Time is a Funny Thing”

Deep Within the Walls of Grief

As we walked into the restaurant, there were people all around. Everyone was dressed so nicely. It was the beginning of Spring, and many women wore pretty dresses, and looked bright and happy. Then, as I looked around, I saw someone I recognized. The couple was quietly talking, and on the outside, they appeared toContinue reading “Deep Within the Walls of Grief”

Walking Through Our Suffering

When we are walking through our suffering and are in the hard, dark places grief can bring us, we often feel like we’re alone on an island. But I want to encourage you today. No matter how you may feel, you are not alone! I will never forget the overwhelming sense of seclusion I feltContinue reading “Walking Through Our Suffering”

Moving On or Moving Forward

I bumped into an old coworker I hadn’t seen in a long time. We began talking, and she told me about a relative who had suffered child loss. The loss had occurred over 30 years ago, and she was deeply concerned that her relative had not yet moved on. When she said this, she immediatelyContinue reading “Moving On or Moving Forward”

Tears

For anyone walking through the grief journey, tears are one of the many emotions we frequently exhibit. As I found out recently, I’m still capable of shedding buckets of tears due to the death of my daughter, Melanie. I’m not entirely sure why this year hit me harder than previous years, but I didn’t fightContinue reading “Tears”

Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed

Today marks 4 years since Melanie ran ahead to Heaven. She will always be loved, never forgotten, forever missed. Time is a funny thing because it seems like yesterday and forever all at the same time. While all loss is hard, child loss is a loss like no other, and although I may never understandContinue reading “Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed”

Forgiveness

What is forgiveness? Forgiveness means different things to different people. It involves intentionally letting go of any resentment and anger you may harbor against another. Whatever the act was that hurt or offended you, it might always be with you, but working on forgiveness can lessen the grip it has on you.  It’s been aContinue reading “Forgiveness”

Will You Be Bitter or Better

There is no denying that walking through grief is one of the most complex roads we will ever travel. Dealing with loss and figuring out how to manage through the myriad of emotions can take down the strongest men and women. Due to your loss, at some point, there comes a time when we haveContinue reading “Will You Be Bitter or Better”

Where Do We Find the Strength to Go On

No matter how long a person has been on this road, there are days we still find ourselves on the struggle bus. I don’t know about you, but I dread those times when grief rears its ugly head once again. Recently, a friend told me how strong they thought I was. Inwardly, I heard aContinue reading “Where Do We Find the Strength to Go On”

A Delicate Balance of Life After Loss

It’s been many years since I’ve been to the circus, but I’ve often felt that managing grief is a little like being in the circus. It’s not the fun part with clowns, magicians, circus animals, and cotton candy. No, it’s more like being a tightrope walker. With grief, there is a delicate balance of lifeContinue reading “A Delicate Balance of Life After Loss”

Child Loss is a Loss Like No Other

Friends, as you are reading this I am fighting the flu. I had hoped to be “up and at ‘em,” as my father used to say, and ready to share a new blog with you this week. But, unfortunately, I’m still in recovery mode which basically means – I’m still in bed with a boxContinue reading “Child Loss is a Loss Like No Other”

Searching for Happiness After Loss

When our world is upended by loss, and grief seems to be the most prominent emotion, life can seem bleak. As grievers, we’ve all been there. We can’t even imagine being happy again. But, believe it or not, there does come a time when we begin searching for happiness after loss. Those early days ofContinue reading “Searching for Happiness After Loss”

Reflections

As we slowly enter a new year, we wonder what 2024 will hold. Yet, at the same time, it’s also a time for reflections. Reflections of the year just closing behind us. We will ponder the previous year’s events, which likely held moments of great joy and and even deep sorrow. Endings and beginnings. ForContinue reading “Reflections”

New Year’s Resolutions for the Bereaved

I imagine many of you think, “Phew, we made it! We managed to survive the holiday season.” As each Christmas passes, I realize I’m still standing. Still breathing. Still holding tight to the One who continues to hold me. Jesus is the cornerstone of each and every day of my life. I don’t know whereContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions for the Bereaved”

A Way Out and Help for the Holiday

We are mere days away from Christmas and I’m sure there are many who are searching for a way out. A way out of celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, when you may not be feeling so wonderful. A way out of having to be in a room full of so many peopleContinue reading “A Way Out and Help for the Holiday”

Wonderful Counselor of our Hearts

The holidays are a time for celebrating, yet many of us dread this season and cannot wait for the calendar page to turn to January 1. Some imagine the holidays as a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life, and there are others whose reality is more like Scrooged. Maybe you feel burdened by loss as you beginContinue reading “Wonderful Counselor of our Hearts”