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Playwright Gary Rudoren on ‘Last Words’

Posted on April 19, 2014 - by Nancy Gershman, LMSW

What’s there to talk about in the 24 hours before “your son, the serial killer” heads to the electric chair? Besides confessions, are there other kinds of “last words” that should happen on our deathbeds? This and more when Gary Rudoren – playwright, director, actor and architect now based in Jerusalem – sits down with memory artist, Nancy Gershman to talk about the premise of his play, “So I Killed a Few People.” Examine the elephant in the room from multiple angles “So I Killed a Few People” is a play I created with David Summers at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago. […]

A Day of Rebirth

Posted on April 16, 2014 - by David Roberts

I originally wrote this piece for my blog on March 1, 2014, my daughter Jeannine’s 11th angelversary date. Since year nine of my life as a parent who has experienced the death of a child, I have written about the teachings I have discovered when spending time with Jeannine, on her angelversary date. I decided that I wanted to share my experience again as we approach spring, a time of both rebirth and renewal. I have discovered clarity in ritual and ceremony, while recognizing that Jeannine still exists, but in a different form of energy. I still have occasional yearnings […]

Grieving Especially Tough During Easter Season

Posted on April 12, 2014 - by Sandra Huerta

While most of us prepare for the Easter season, some people are struggling to survive the death of a loved one. I dedicate the entire month to everyone suffering with grief and sorrow. I too am grief-stricken and I too find April to be a difficult month, especially this year. This month marks the 10th anniversary of my son Sergio’s homicide and while time flies by, for me, it also stands still every time I think of him, every time I miss him. It has been said time and again, that time heals all wounds. Ten years ago, I wanted […]

Can the Cycle of Domestic Violence be Broken?

Posted on April 10, 2014 - by Sandra Huerta

If you or someone you know suffered domestic violence, ask yourself: Have I imitated violence in my home? And will my children do the same when they have their own homes? Have we mimicked violence or victimization from others and will our children do the same? It is up us to analyze our own situations and make tough but healthy decisions in order to break free from hostile living conditions. Have we been imprisoned by dominant forces and have we surrendered our instinct for survival? God created each of us with our own blueprint and with a specific purpose. We […]

Forgiveness

Posted on April 9, 2014 - by John Pete

Forgiveness can be a very hard thing to do. That speaks to how incredibly powerful it is. Like hope, forgiveness is often a stepping stone forward. It can be a necessary part of truly accepting things that cannot be changed; for healing broken hearts and renewing spirit; and for allowing happiness into our lives again. Forgive whenever you can. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Use forgiveness as a beacon to light a path to healing.

A Mama Finds Memories in a Duplo Box

Posted on April 9, 2014 - by Alice Wisler

In my closet sits one duplo box filled with handwritten cards. The cards were for my little boy Daniel. The boy is now gone, but the cards written to him still remain. When we moved from the house where Daniel lived, Daniel didn’t get to go with us. But the yellow duplo box with cards did. A few of the cards he’d received were after hs first surgery before we knew the lump in his neck was cancer. Most were sent to him during the months he was treated at UNC-Hospitals. The duplo box had been where he’d stored all […]

The Weight of Well Wishes

Posted on April 8, 2014 - by Michele Neff Hernandez

Every once in awhile I am able to see myself through another person’s eyes; sort of like looking up and seeing an image in a mirror, and then realizing the face that is reflected there is your own. The observations from these unguarded moments usually provide some serious food for thought. Recently I watched the movie Brothers. I will leave out the movie review, but here is a brief synopsis: An excellent family man who is in the military goes back for a second tour of duty and ends up being captured. His family thinks he is dead, and grieves […]

Comic Steve Mittleman About Forgiving Hard Parents at End of Life

Posted on April 8, 2014 - by Nancy Gershman, LMSW

It’s easy to forgive the hardest parent when they thank you through tears with: “Nobody cared for me as much in my whole life!” Or when they write a letter that gets delivered to you on the day of their funeral. This and more, when memory artist, Nancy Gershman talks with comic, Steve Mittleman who travels the world doing stand-up for corporate events and private functions. Visit him at SteveMittleman@aol.com. Don’t be surprised to discover you speak fluent “Stroke” Genuine bonding so often begins at End of Life Improve your chances to get a letter from Dad the day of his funeral […]

Our World, God’s World: Handling Significant Change

Posted on April 7, 2014 - by Charles W. Sidoti

Coming to terms with life’s constant change is one of the greatest challenges that we face. It is interesting to note, however, that there are many areas of life in which we often have little or no trouble accepting change. Sometimes we welcome it with open arms; at other times we may find it bittersweet. Many parents experience the bittersweet aspect of change as they watch their child board the kindergarten bus on the first day of school. The change of seasons is an example of a change that we often take in stride, accepting it as a natural and […]

Watching for Signs

Posted on April 5, 2014 - by Debra Reagan

I sat in the sunshine by the community pool and I overheard several sweet little voices call out, “Watch, Papa, watch.” This universal call of a child reminded me of all the times parents watch their children. For mothers, this watching began the moment she found out about the pregnancy. She watched the foods she ate and she watched with a little nervousness for all the issues in the pregnancy books. Then the precious child arrived and the watching intensified. She even found herself watching the child breathe as he slept. She continued to watch him as he grew. The […]