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: loss
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”
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”
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 Chain-Breaker
As I was eating breakfast the song, Chain Breaker by Zach Williams came on. I was immediately taken back to a place about 2 years ago when I watched Melanie perform an interpretive dance routine to this song. The dance was part of her graduation after completing a very tough and rigorous, long-term rehab program.Continue reading “The Chain-Breaker”
The Other Shoe
I don’t know about you but I have found this to be so true. When my dad died in a tragic car accident I was just 17 yrs. old. It rocked my whole world. It brought on fear and anxiety about so many different things. I lived under the weight of that fear for yearsContinue reading “The Other Shoe”
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”
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”
Ashes and Grace
Questions, questions, and more questions! I’ve had plenty of them since Melanie went to heaven. “Is this it? Is this the end of her story? Am I supposed to be filled with this sadness and grief for the rest of my life? Is this what’s become of me? What now? Surely, there must be someContinue reading “Ashes and Grace”
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?”
Let the Truth Be Told
Lie number one: You’re supposed to have it all togetherWhen they ask how you’re doing, just smile and tell them, “Never better”Lie number two: Everybody’s life is perfect except yoursSo, keep your messes and your wounds and your secrets safe with you behind closed doorsBut truth be told, the truth is rarely told …I say,Continue reading “Let the Truth Be Told”
King of My Heart
As the Fall begins to usher in cool, crisp mornings I’ve been thinking of years past. For some reason there is something about the changing of the season that is causing me to become more reflective. Many thoughts and memories have been flooding my mind. Both the good and the challenging. I’m sure some ofContinue reading “King of My Heart”