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: hope
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”
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”
Dear Melanie: A Minute and An Eternity
My Dear Melanie, Two years ago today you ran ahead to heaven. It seems like a minute and an eternity all at the same time. Some have asked if it has become easier over time. I hesitate for only a moment, because truly how does it get easier when you lose a child? It neverContinue reading “Dear Melanie: A Minute and An Eternity”
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”
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?”
Life is a Journey – Not a Race
As some of you may know, I have been working on writing a book about my daughter and the grief journey I have found myself thrust into. I recently received the manuscript back from my editor and am in the process of completing the final updates and edits. It’s been during this long process I’veContinue reading “Life is a Journey – Not a Race”
The Many Faces of Grief
Usually when we think of the word grief it implies a negative connotation, and quite honestly, I’m sure we can all understand why. Websters defines grief as, “deep and poignant distress.” During the early days of walking this grief journey I could think of nothing else other than the deep sadness and missing my daughter.Continue reading “The Many Faces of Grief”
When Does the Fallout End?
My Dad served in WW II. After we visited Normandy and saw some of the area where these battles were fought in the trenches, I can better understand why he never wanted to talk about his time there. There are some days I feel a lot like my Dad. I feel like I’m on aContinue reading “When Does the Fallout End?”
Rebuilding From the Rubble
Recently a tornado ripped through a local neighborhood where we knew several families who had their homes destroyed. A few of the homes were decimated, but many others were left partially standing. There was something about seeing those homes that made me feel a strange sense of kinship with them. Since the death of myContinue reading “Rebuilding From the Rubble”
Looking Through the Lens Toward Healing and Restoration
Let me begin by saying that I know each one of us is in a different place on our journey. Each of our stories though similar, is also unique. As I continue walking along this path and moving through the grief journey, I learn something new every day. The Lord continues to heal my brokenContinue reading “Looking Through the Lens Toward Healing and Restoration”
The Double A’s: Anticipation and Anguish
It’s so hard to believe we are already heading into late January. Where does the time go? Since Melanie ran ahead to heaven the concept of time means something entirely different to me now. I have a much greater appreciation of time, especially time spent love ones. As unbelievable as it seems I am nearingContinue reading “The Double A’s: Anticipation and Anguish”
Who’s Your Daddy?
Remember the Titans is one of my all-time favorite movies for so many reasons. It’s based on the true story of African American coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington and his attempt to integrate a high school football team in 1970’s Alexandria, VA. There are so many reasons to love this movie the leastContinue reading “Who’s Your Daddy?”