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”
Tag Archives: #melanieanne
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”
Invite Grief and Gratitude to the Table
Here we are just a couple of short weeks away from celebrating Thanksgiving. If you’re grieving you may be feeling anything but thankful. Holidays are hard. As we get together with family you may feel pressured to smile and act like everything is fine when your heart is actually broken. My friends, this year let’sContinue reading “Invite Grief and Gratitude to the Table”
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?”
July – Bereaved Parents Month: Missing Our Child(ren)
The month of July has been designated as Bereaved Parents Month. As a parent who has a child who ran ahead to heaven, I believe there is never a time when we don’t miss our child(ren). Personally, I don’t think someone needed to designate a month on the calendar to remind me there is suchContinue reading “July – Bereaved Parents Month: Missing Our Child(ren)”
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?”
Faith, Gratitude and My Dark Alley Friends
Soon after Melanie died a friend came by to visit. He brought me a beautiful gratitude journal. It was a very sweet gesture but if I’m honest, I thought it was an odd gift to give someone during this time. If I had been one of those cartoon characters on television where a “bubble ofContinue reading “Faith, Gratitude and My Dark Alley Friends”
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?”
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”
Anger: How Grief’s Silence Be Deafening
When I began blogging I told myself I wouldn’t post simply to post. If I didn’t have anything worthwhile to share I would simply keep on moving and see how I felt the following week. Well, this week was the first time I actually felt as though I had nothing to give anyone. Instead ofContinue reading “Anger: How Grief’s Silence Be Deafening”
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”
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?”
The Encounter
How often have you asked yourself the question, “How did we get here? How did we end up walking this grief journey? Could I have stopped it? Was there something different I could have done?” As I’ve navigated this journey these are just a few of the questions I have often asked myself. In today’sContinue reading “The Encounter”
Are You a Weary Traveler?
Do you sometimes feel like you’re dragging yourself through each day, wondering if you’ll be able to take the next step? If you’ve lost a loved one and find yourself on this road called grief, I’m sure there are moments when you are a weary traveler. Weariness is part of the journey. Being broken isContinue reading “Are You a Weary Traveler?”
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”
Kintsugi: Broken Pieces Made Beautiful
When grief strikes, broken is one of the first words that comes to mind when trying to describe how we feel. Losing a loved one shatters our heart and mind, which can completely alter our lives. Grief changes us and we may never be the same person we once were. Recently I was speaking withContinue reading “Kintsugi: Broken Pieces Made Beautiful”