With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, I would like to wish you all peace and harmony.

If not peace, try distraction.  I am a golfer and a couple of weeks ago was watching a match.  After winning a sudden death playoff, one of the golfers was asked how he kept his focus under stress.  He said that his golfing coach had given him the tip of looking into the distance at the trees and trying to find a woodpecker.

Well, today, folks,I was walking home from Starbucks with my coffee cup in one hand and of course my cell phone in the other.  I was dealing with several very stressful issues, including what to do and whom to invite to a Mother’s Day lunch, brunch, or dinner.  Suddenly I saw movement on a tree not five feet in front of me and there was — you guessed it — a woodpecker.

My stress dissolved as I spent the next few minutes enjoying watching him move up the tree.  Really a beautiful site.

So think of the woodpecker when things get tough, and remember that Mother’s  Day is only one day.  I send you love and ask you if you have lost hope to lean on our hope this day — and look for the woodpecker.

Much Love!  Dr. Gloria

Gloria Horsley

Dr. Gloria Horsley is an internationally known grief expert, psychotherapist, and bereaved parent. She started "Open to Hope" to help the millions in the world with grief. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Nurse Specialist, and has worked in the field of family therapy for over 20 years. Dr. Horsley hosts the syndicated internet radio show, The Grief Blog which is one of the top ranked shows on Health Voice America. She serves the Compassionate Friends in a number of roles including as a Board of Directors, chapter leader, workshop facilitator, and frequently serves as media spokesperson. Dr. Horsley is often called on to present seminars throughout the country. She has made appearances on numerous television and radio programs including "The Today Show," "Montel Williams," and "Sallie Jessie Raphael." In addition, she has authored a number of articles and written several books including Teen Grief Relief with Dr. Heidi Horlsey, and The In-Law Survival Guide.

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