Life is Like a Compass

Life is like a compass

Just as our grief doesn’t follow a predictable course like a map, neither does life. In fact, it’s more like a compass because it points you in the general direction and then you figure out where to turn.

We can listen to all sorts of people who try to help us learn how to grieve. There are thousands of books on the subject! But we’re all as different as the leaves on a tree. Grief is a process, not an event!

If you think about the compass inside you, it is your inner wisdom or intuition that guides your way… Continue reading

My Heart Must Go On – Grieving a Child’s Suicide

Gracie  Thompson, author, mother

I can no more stop loving my child who lives than I can stop loving my child who died

Dare I return to the beginning of sorrows? Yes, I dare to return to my story, but in a different way ~ through my heart. My heart was no more than a beating, necessary-for-life organ until my son’s heart stopped beating.
Over the years I have thought more deeply, even spiritually, about this vital organ and I will share some of my thoughts with you for your consideration and response if you like.

Now at year thirteen, I have had a… Continue reading

Love Doesn’t Die – People Do

Lessons in living from a life well-lived. Sharing memories lives on in each of us.

A dear friend and mentor died a couple of weeks ago.  She was a month short of her 97th birthday. The funeral service was truly a celebration of a life well-lived. In fact, she was the model of how to live life in grace and because she was such an inspiration, people were not weeping but laughing and smiling as the clergy along with family and friends shared stories of her life.

Love Doesn’t Die – People Do

I was so moved by the clergy… Continue reading

Hold a Candle for a Grieving Loved One

Family & friends can be your light in the darkness of grief.

By Kathryn Haugen

It has now been six months since I lost my beloved husband, Paul, after almost 38 years together.   I am totally shocked that he is gone and still feel like he will walk through the door at any moment.  

My emotions are all over the place.  I can talk to people about what happened in a calm manner and then crack up looking at Paul’s shoes. Although I am still in the midst of an emotional roller coaster, I can also see that I… Continue reading

Counting Your Blessings Through Grief

It may be difficult to find blessings or gratitude in your life right now as you grieve a loss and that’s ok.

According to grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt, “even though you may not feel any blessings in your life right now, you are blessed and your life has purpose and meaning. It will take you some time to think and feel this for yourself.” As you go through your grief journey and the hurt that goes with you, Dr. Wolfelt suggests that you may want to consider things that make your life worth living too.

Having Gratitude Can… Continue reading