Special Topics

I Believe (poem)

Saturday, November 29, 2008

I believe I will see my loved ones again and it is that, among other things, which allows me to heal and gives me the courage to journey forward. I believe there is a profound reason for life and death, perhaps purposely beyond our understanding. I believe that moving forward is about creating opportunities for spiritual growth, and not just going through the motions of another day. I believe that life’s events are a classroom, and not some meaningless cosmic joke. I believe that love is profoundly connected to the meaning of life, and not just an empty phenomenon that rewards […]

Special Topics, Your Grief

“I Can’t Believe I Just Said That”: How to Say the Right Thing to Someone Who is Ill or Experienced a Death

A dear friend of mine has cancer is awaiting a double mastectomy. Her family and friends have all gathered and I see the love and connection she has surrounding her. There’s hugs and laughter and even a few tears. But we’re still human, every last one of us that and all those prayers and good thoughts don’t keep us from saying something really dumb. Hey, I’m guilty too. I don’t mean it in a “I would never say something that stupid” way because trust me,  I’ve been known to say a few blunders in my day. But I heard someone say something […]

Open to Hope

Surviving Holidays With The In-Laws

By Dr. Gloria Horsley – Getting through the holidays after a loss is always a challenge.  One of the things that can make it especially difficult is finding the energy to deal with in-law issues.  The problems are not new but after a loss your patience may wear thin.  Here are some suggestions and thoughts to help you through troubled waters.  Also remember Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukah are only one day.  Anticipation of the event is sometimes far worse than the actual day. Common In-law issues during the holidays Family Loyalty – Pull toward the biological family “My wife feels guilty […]

Death of a Parent

Aging and Fear: Choose a Different Path

As I was caregiving my mother, I couldn’t help but observe my mother’s words and actions. If you live with someone, talk and listen, you begin to notice patterns. The same old things get said day in and day out. We’re all such creatures of habit. As my mother continued to age, she lost her ability to filter her thoughts or hide her fears. It got me thinking about where I am now…and who I will become. What concerns will linger and play and replay like a needle stuck on a record? What judgements will slip out when I am too tired or too […]