Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
The several days this past weekend brought significant “ups” and “downs” for me. I sincerely hope you have found “ups” to calm the “downs.” “Downs” last weekend included page 8 of the morning paper: the obituary for the actor Matthew Perry. Mr. Perry was a key actor for the show “Friends.” He was called “the… Continue reading Ups-and-Downs
I woke up last week confronted with thoughts of grief resulting from the growing number of horrific deaths throughout the world. As I read the newspaper and watched the quick-rising casualties related to the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the result of another major earthquake in Afghanistan, and the daily tally of gun related violence… Continue reading Vicarious Grief Again
I attended a Celebration of Life last week at my church. The person whose life we celebrated died over three years ago. I often am asked, “What exactly is a Celebration of Life?” This question is difficult to answer because in my experience the event may mean different things to each family which organizes them.… Continue reading Celebration of Life and Mourning
Last week, I surpassed a major marker in one’s life – seventy years old. At sixty I did not feel old. When I retired a few years later, I did not feel old either. But, for me, the 70 age had a different feeling. I don’t even like to type the number. Nonetheless, I am… Continue reading Growing Older
Once again, I am “blown away” (excuse the reference) about the loss we are experiencing in the U.S. The folks in Hawaii (Maui) are suffering the horrible consequences of wildfires. More than one hundred are dead and homes, stores and cities have been significantly damaged. Searches for others lost in Hawaii continue. Southern California storms… Continue reading A Tender Heart
Four years ago this week a good friend of mine died. I met Ken when I worked in the human resources field. Ken worked for a local city and we both regularly attended meetings of a group of HR professionals. After he retired, I hired him part-time to help me with some HR issues. We… Continue reading Still Remembering
Reading articles about grief often stimulate an outline for a blog post. I add my reflections on the topic and sometimes share ways in which I deal with my personal grief. By writing about it to others, it becomes a way to mourn because the grief has now gone public. I recently read about a… Continue reading Grieving Forever
Last week I read a nice little story in The Guardian newspaper U.S. edition. Written by Anthony Seldon, he reflects on Celebration Day, May 26, 2023. He writes, “I am not sure that people do die – if dying means annulling, disappearing, or being extinguished. They live on in the memories of those who knew and loved them.”… Continue reading The Importance of Memories
Last weekend I received a voice mail from Mary, the wife of a friend who worked with me for a number of years. We both retired from our bereavement support jobs about the same time. Mary’s message suggested some troubling news. I immediately returned the call and learned that Michael had died. Difficult news to… Continue reading The World According to Michael
This week I sat in my home office with the television news on. I glanced at pictures of people killed in the Nashville mass shooting. I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw the photo of a nine-year old girl. Her name is Hallie Scruggs. I thought of my seven-year-old granddaughter and refocused… Continue reading May the Light Shine
At Peace 