William Shakespeare was acquainted with great grief. Learning this has deepened my admiration for the playwright and what he has penned about grief. The Bard, as Shakespeare is often referred to, was one of eight children. The family experienced multiple losses. First born to parents Mary and John Shakespeare was Joan, who lived two months [...]

Ancient wisdom and modern science both encourage us to be expressive when we are grieving. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) research reveals that the brain’s blood flow changes with emotional stress. Blood flows away from the left side – the logic, detail and language center. It flows toward the right side, where feeling, symbols and imagination [...]

Did you ever have a memory that rode into your consciousness on the back of a passing odor, object, or random word? It might have been something you desperately tried to forget, but it was able to seep through the protective wall you created as if it was made of cheesecloth. I knew I would [...]

Journaling when we are dealing with loss can release bottled up emotions. It can be a time for self discovery and self inquiry. It has many benefits and from my own experiences and others, writing what we are experiencing can temporarily make us feel better. Since journaling may be new to some, I have anticipated [...]

“Kiss the casket,” my mom instructed, “that way you won’t have ‘susto’.”[1] I was sixteen years old looking at my Grandpa’s body as he lay in his casket. I stared at his chest, and I swear, I could see it rise and fall. “He’s alive,” I thought, “Can’t they all see he’s alive?” I didn’t know [...]

This is the last in a series of four (4) articles on music and how it acts as a healing agent for those who grieve a loss. In earlier sessions, we discussed the health benefits of listening to music and examined its use to direct attention away from our uneasy surroundings. Last month, we explored [...]

I was rummaging around in a kitchen cabinet while my wife was in the living room. Since both of us have hearing problems, when we speak to each other in different rooms, our conversations can become the basis for a sit-com on aging. “Is that old wok under here?” I asked. Wendy came into the [...]

by Judy Wright People who have lost a loved one, either a human or animal, search for ways to remember and at least keep a memory alive. Sharing stories helps us remember those good days and the joy that loved one brought to us. We may no longer to enjoy their fun and love in [...]

By Linda C. Wisniewski, M.S.L.S. – Take a walk through any bookstore, and you’ll see that memoirs are among the most popular books being sold today. People from all walks of life are putting their stories together for their families, friends and for publication. We love to read real-life inspirational stories. But did you know [...]

We  recently received a note from Gale Massey encourageing us to let you know about her pocket size book, Grief . . . Reminders for Healing and about the video that has been made from it. It is used by hospices to help bereaved families and friends. She asked, “Might you consider placing the video [...]

Beth Nielsen Chapman: Art and Loss: Music as a Pathway to Healing September 18, 2008 – Beth Nielsen Chapman is an acclaimed songwriter and performer.  In 1993 Beth’s husband, Ernest, was diagnosed with lymphoma just at the time Beth released her third album, You Hold the Key. After a one year struggle with cancer Ernest [...]