When we think of grief’s impact on us, our emotions come to mind first. Sadness, loneliness, the desperate missing, and mourning of our loved ones. But really, it’s so much bigger than that. Grief impacts so much more than our hearts. Tell me, do you feel tired all the time? Has your energy seem to haveContinue reading “Grief Impacts So Much More Than Our Hearts”
Tag Archives: grief
Wishing for The Wayback
Today is Melanie’s birthday – her 4th one in Heaven. I thought I was going to fly right through this day – no problem! Hey, life is good. I’m feeling strong … until I’m not. It’s just a reminder that no matter how much time goes by our hearts will always be incredibly tender duringContinue reading “Wishing for The Wayback”
A New Year: Time to Look in the Rearview Mirror
Have you heard this saying before? For those who are grieving, it takes on a whole new meaning. As a parent who has lost a child, nothing is more important than who has been left behind. Granted, since Melanie ran ahead to heaven, looking back has been challenging. But, on the flip side of theContinue reading “A New Year: Time to Look in the Rearview Mirror”
Finding Goodness After Loss
As a parent who has lost a child I never thought I’d find any goodness in life after the loss of my only daughter. When Melanie ran ahead to heaven I saw my world in only shades of gray and wondered if I’d ever really see the sunshine again. Although my coat of grief isn’tContinue reading “Finding Goodness After Loss”
Navigating Life After Loss
There was a time soon after Melanie ran ahead to heaven when I realized I had no choice but to push pause on my grieving. Unfortunately, the reality is when a person dies there is a myriad of important details which need to be handled. Funerals to be planned, people to be notified, insurance companiesContinue reading “Navigating Life After Loss”
The Road to Healing Begins with Normalizing Grief
Sadly, one of the most common things I’ve been told as I’ve walked this grief journey is this: “No one wants to hear about my loss, or how I feel anymore. No one wants to talk about grief.” Every time I hear this my heart breaks. Unfortunately, I understand all too well as there haveContinue reading “The Road to Healing Begins with Normalizing Grief”
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”
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”
The Many Faces of Grief
A few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast featuring Rick & Kay Warren who talked about their son, Matthew, who took his life in 2013. I’ve heard Rick speak numerous times, but I had never heard Kay speak on the death of their child. If you have time, take a few minutes to listen.Continue reading “The Many Faces of Grief”
Anxiety + Fear = Grief: Still Figuring Things Out
After Melanie died, life as I knew it came to a screeching halt. Today, I’m still figuring things out. This grief journey continues to teach me things. Although I hoped I’d be much further ahead by now, I guess I’ll always be learning something about this road I didn’t choose to be on. I’ve alwaysContinue reading “Anxiety + Fear = Grief: Still Figuring Things Out”
Honoring a Strong Woman
As I began to look ahead at my upcoming week I noticed on the calendar that one year ago, a dear and lovely friend, Mrs. Trudie Beach, went home to heaven. I smiled as I began to think about her, when out of nowhere a question crossed my mind. Didn’t Mrs. B. lose a childContinue reading “Honoring a Strong Woman”
Time – Does it Really Heal All Wounds?
Have you ever had someone tell you, “Don’t worry. You’ll be okay. Time heals all wounds.” I have. It didn’t make me feel any better, and quite frankly I didn’t believe them. Does time really heal all wounds? Perhaps there is some type of healing over time, but it may not happen exactly in theContinue reading “Time – Does it Really Heal All Wounds?”
The Second Year of Grief: Still Navigating the Waves
Everyone talks about the first year when you lose a loved one, and many often discuss getting through the “Year of Firsts” – the first birthday, the first Christmas, the first anniversary etc. It can leave you with a false sense that once you get through the firsts you will then be fine. That isContinue reading “The Second Year of Grief: Still Navigating the Waves”
Stages of Grief: Grief Like An Earthquake
When Melanie first ran ahead to heaven my entire being was electrified. Anxiety was at an all time high and any loud noise would startle me and I felt as though I’d literally jump out of my skin. It’s only been 16 months now, but as time continues to pass by my emotions are noContinue reading “Stages of Grief: Grief Like An Earthquake”
One More Day with Your Loved One – What Would You Do Differently?
How many of us have wished for just one more day with our loved one? What would you do differently? How would you spend it? Were there things left unsaid? Or would you simply just hold one another and let the love in your heart fill in all the empty places within? This week aContinue reading “One More Day with Your Loved One – What Would You Do Differently?”
The Anchor
I have close friends who are avid sailors. They love going out on the water, feeling the rush of the wind through the sails and the warmth of the sun on their faces. Sometimes they take friends with them. As close as we are, I inwardly pray they never ask us to be their guests. Continue reading “The Anchor”
One Year Later: The Grief Journey – Remembering Melanie
Never forget. We are all familiar with this phrase as it represents 9/11, and a time of great tragedy and sorrow in our world. Well, one year ago today those two words took on a different and more personal meaning for me. It was a day of tragedy and sorrow. It was the day myContinue reading “One Year Later: The Grief Journey – Remembering Melanie”
Speak Life
Isn’t it amazing how one of the smallest parts of our body is both the strongest and the deadliest. Some may think it’s the heart, or perhaps the lungs. Those certainly are major parts of our body that give us life and strength, but it is not the part I am referring to. The smallestContinue reading “Speak Life”
Can We Have A Retake?
This week I received an email from my son’s school reminding us of the date we could retake this year’s school picture. It got me thinking. A retake. A do over. How awesome would it be if we could manage life’s challenges in such a simplistic way? Recently a friend asked if I relived theContinue reading “Can We Have A Retake?”
Dry Bones Rattle
Yesterday marked eight months since Melanie went on to heaven. As each month passes by, I find myself taking 3 steps forward then 2 steps back. It’s a dance I play with myself. Oh, there are days I’m feeling strong and healthy. Then there are those days when I feel nothing. Broken. Empty. Dry BonesContinue reading “Dry Bones Rattle”