I am a 32yr old Widow. I was almost 28 at the time of my husbands death due to a tragic car accident and just into my third month of marriage. This September would be a celebration of our 5yr wedding anniversary. Although, it is only July, I am having bitter-sweet memories & tear as that was the happiest day of my life. I was told by a friend last week that I basically shouldn’ be crying anymore! What??? The tears/sadness aren’t like they used to be, my pain is less often than the one year, two year, etc. I […]

I am a 32yr old Widow. I was almost 28 at the time of my husbands death due to a tragic car accident and just into my third month of marriage. This September would be a celebration of our 5yr wedding anniversary. Although, it is only July?I am having bitter-sweet memories & tear as that was the happiest day of my life. I was told by a friend last week that I basically shouldn?t be crying anymore! What??? The tears/sadness aren?t like they used to be, my pain is less often than the one year, two year, etc. I am […]

Exceptional speakers and the Walk to Remember highlighted The Compassionate Friends 30th National Conference in Oklahoma City last weekend. The conference itself drew more than 1,100 bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and family members, as well as professionals intent on learning more about how to help bereaved family members following the death of a child. For a comprehensive look at what made the 30th TCF National Conference special, be sure to read the Fall issue of We Need Not Walk Alone, TCF’s national magazine. The Fall issue will also include a special interview with TCF Founder Simon Stephens. To receive the […]

Dear Dr.?s Gloria and Heidi- I really enjoyed meeting the both of you at the conference. I attended one of your workshops, Dr. Gloria and both my husband and I got alot out of it. I found the session to be very powerful and helpful on many levels in dealing with our grief. I just wanted to thank you both for the time you give to help all of us bereaved parents.The sibling presentation at the end of the program was very moving. Thanks again, Kim Hodne

A Father’s Grief By David Pellegrin Honolulu, Hawaii At my second meeting of The Compassionate Friends about three years ago, one of the mothers said how nice it was to see a man attending, since “men grieve differently from women.” Her remark was no doubt meant to help put me at ease. I hadn’t said a thing so far, and might have been intimidating in my silence. But it caught me off guard. What I was feeling after George’s death was so absolute, so awful, how could it possibly come with any “differences”? Would one grieve differently for an infant […]

?A Father?s Grief By David Pellegrin Honolulu, Hawaii At my second meeting of The Compassionate Friends about three years ago, one of the mothers said how nice it was to see a man attending, since ?men grieve differently from women.? Her remark was no doubt meant to help put me at ease. I hadn?t said a thing so far, and might have been intimidating in my silence. But it caught me off guard. What I was feeling after George?s death was so absolute, so awful, how could it possibly come with any ?differences?? Would one grieve differently for an infant […]

Dear Dawn: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, nephew, and friend on flight 175.? That is a lot of loss to go through at once.? I also had a brother that died, and know what a horrific loss a sibling death is, not to mention the death of your nephew and friend as well.? As my Mom mentioned, I work with Firefighters that lost a family member in the World Trade Center.? Many have found counseling to be very helpful, especially those that have suffered multiple losses.? I don’t know about your particular situation, […]

We just got back from the The Compassionate Friends?Conference in Oklahoma City.??It was a wonderful conference with over one-hundred workshops.? Heidi and I gave six workshops.? Elizabeth Edwards was?the?main?speaker.?Very moving.? Many people who attended the conference listened to the show.? A couple whose child died 18? months ago said, “We put the computer by our bed and go to sleep at night listening to the show”.? We signed up some great future guest for the show including a group of bereaved teens.? We hope that all of you will think about attending the national conference next July in Nashville, Tennessee.? […]

I just lost my son November 2, 2006….he like all my children meant the world to me, but he had a different place in my heart. He was my joy and what kept me going and being strong. My son was born early and he had CP severe….a lot of medical problems and such but he always pulled out, he caused a lot of stress in my relationships I guess that is why I gave them the boot all the time. He was a strong little boy and everyone who met him could not forget him, I felt like I […]