Trust

I have been thinking about the word “trust” over the past few weeks. What or who do you trust? Why? When do you really seek the trust of someone? A number of these blog posts have mentioned the importance of trusting someone to help you process the grief which comes with the traumatic loss such… Continue reading Trust

The Hidden Impact of Grief and Loss

We are reading and hearing that the Covid pandemic is a thing of the past. Maybe, but 500 people died from the virus per day on average last week. Another booster shot for the prevalent variant is being distributed to the public in the coming weeks. Stay safe, friends. But even when this virus becomes… Continue reading The Hidden Impact of Grief and Loss

Did You Know?

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?

Listening – With Love

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

Sharing Grief

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

Our Country Mourns, Again

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

My mother’s day

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

The Perfect Storm Revisited

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

Seeking Peace

All kinds of thoughts going through my mind these last few weeks. The Center for Disease Control reported we may choose to wear a mask, or not wear it, based on the infection rates of where will live. Of course, this sounds positive and is based on the clear statistics across the U.S. that the… Continue reading Seeking Peace