Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
Next Tuesday, August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day. I was reminded by my professional organization, the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), that on that day we might (1): support a grieving friend and/or (2) engage in self-care on this day of appreciation and respect. I had forgotten there is a day devoted to these… Continue reading Did You Know?
I like baseball a great deal. I am not as much of a fanatic now at age 68 than I was many decades ago when I watched, listened and played the game, but I still am a big follower. The death earlier this month of Vin Scully, the legendary broadcaster of the Los Angeles Dodgers,… Continue reading Lessons from Vin
My last post dealt with the importance of active listening when helping people dealing with loss. The intent of caregiving is not to “fix” the person , because that cannot be done. This blog shares several primary listening methods I have found helpful for people experiencing grief. Talk Less, Listen More: establishing trust is vital… Continue reading Listening – With Love
I’ve been retired from my paid work with the bereaved for about three years now. I still read information about grief, loss, and mourning because daily living seems to pull me toward such situations. I don’t seek the work, but throughout my career and retirement, the situations seem to follow me. I ‘ll share some examples:… Continue reading Sharing Grief
I have been writing blog posts for the past year and a half, many focused on the coronavirus pandemic impact on families following a loved one’s death. I sincerely hope that my thoughts have helped folks begin to reconcile tragic circumstances. Today’s blog shifts the focus to myself and my family. Last week I became… Continue reading Living Life
Watching the news regarding the Uvalde Elementary School shootings was beyond troubling. The police spokesperson tried to explain what happened, stuttering over words, nearly weeping, and apologizing personally for the errors which were made. Seeing the interview with the Senator from the Texas district in which Uvalde is located was harder still. He sobbed throughout… Continue reading Our Country Mourns, Again
On Mother’s Day this month our family came together to celebrate my daughter Erin, a mother of three, and my wife, also a mother of three. I enjoyed the festive occasion celebrating the two mothers whom I love and respect for the role they have play in their children’ lives. In my career, I worked… Continue reading My mother’s day
Years ago, I decided to leave the human resources management field but had no idea where I would end up working. Someone suggested I meet with a recruiting professional, sometimes called a “head hunter.” I was somewhat leery, but having no other ideas, I called the recommended person and scheduled a meeting. The meeting date… Continue reading Too Nice?
What is the “the perfect storm?” In the movie, The Perfect Storm (released in 2000), the worst possible storm predictions came together to create a tempest in the North Atlantic Ocean. The fishing boat in the midst of it did not have a chance. There may be another type of perfect storm brewing in our… Continue reading The Perfect Storm Revisited
The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) holds a national conference each year. This year it was held in late March in Philadelphia, and I had the privilege of attending. AWP provides support and resources for nearly 50,000 writers and 550 college and university creative writing programs. The mission of AWP is to amplify… Continue reading Reading and Writing
At Peace 