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Don’t Go Through Grief Alone

Posted on April 9, 2013 - by Beth Marshall

life∙line/ˈlīfˌlīn/ Support that enables people to survive or to continue doing something (often by providing an essential connection) The first time I heard the term “lifeline” related to grief was from my dear friend, Patti. Four years ago Patti’s life changed forever when a violent crime took the life of her beautiful twenty-six year old daughter, Anne. There are no words to adequately describe her journey through sorrow since Anne’s death; yet somehow Patti continues to find strength to wake up every morning and keep putting one foot in front of the other. She is often asked how she keeps […]

How to Feel a Greater Connection to Loved Ones in Spirit

Posted on April 6, 2013 - by Paul Coleman

When someone we dearly love passes on, we miss their physical presence. Even when we truly believe they are in a better place and that we will see them again one day, we miss seeing them, holding them, and hearing their voice. This need for a physical connection is so strong, many of us would gladly make a huge sacrifice for just one more brief moment of contact. I’ve reached a stage in life where I’ve had to say goodbye to loved ones who passed on. In my case, both parents, a sister, a nephew, a niece, and countless uncles […]

Grief Experience Taught One of Life’s Lessons: We Are Accepted

Posted on April 5, 2013 - by Donna Miesbach

One of the most miraculous experiences for me as I worked through great loss was finding out that we are loved – and accepted – so fully, so completely, that there is nothing left to forgive! This is true for all of us, and that is why I wrote my book, From Grief to Joy – because the challenges I’ve faced are universal. We all have our mountains to climb, both inner and outer. No one is exempt. Life is a school, and what we learn through that school are the lessons we are ready for, things we could not […]

Writing A Plan To Help You Cope with Loss & Grief

Posted on April 4, 2013 - by John Pete

Do you have a plan to help you cope with your loss and painful grief? Taking back control of your life and how you respond to your grief can be empowering at a time when we often feel vulnerable and hopeless. To begin writing a plan, start with a simple list of all things that can help you to cope. Your plan will evolve and change over time, so don’t worry if the list is incomplete right now. You should also include things that involve interactions with others and leaving your home once in awhile, even if just for short walks. Below are some ideas to get you started, and […]

Grief Healing and the Power of Afterlife Signs

Posted on April 3, 2013 - by Christine Duminiak

Since 1998, during my grief support work, I have observed time and again the remarkable healing affects that take place when the bereaved receive a personal afterlife sign from their departed loved ones. Many who were deeply grieving and in a very dark place would later confide in me that the only reason they did not follow through on their thoughts of suicide was because they had received an afterlife sign. Types of Signs Some of these “signs” may be in the form of: happy and vivid dreams where you get to see, talk or hug them again; being surrounded […]

From Loneliness to Solitude

Posted on April 1, 2013 - by Donna Miesbach

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of losing a loved one is the awful sense of having been left alone. The loss of the presence, the personality, the person with whom we had blended so well leaves an acute sense of loneliness. It is easy to feel lost, abandoned even, with no idea where to go. All sense of purpose seems to have evaporated. We feel very much like a ship without a rudder, and the seas do not feel like friendly seas at all. It is hard to keep going, to even try at times like these. Yet […]

Using The Help Of God To Manage Your Depression

Posted on March 24, 2013 - by Stan Popovich

Dealing with fear and anxiety can be very difficult. As a result, using the help of God can be very effective in managing your fears. With this in mind, here are some suggestions on how a person can use the help of God in his or her own struggles. The first step a person should do is to start talking and praying to God. A person can go to church or to a quiet place during the day to tell God that they are having a problem. They should tell God how they feel and ask God for some of […]

Take Spring Holiday Flowers to Cemetery

Posted on March 23, 2013 - by Sandra Pesmen

Holidays are always hard for widows. We remember those who are missing, and miss them even more, regardless of how much time has passed. But there are ways to include them in the family celebrations — and then share some of that holiday spirit with them afterward. Always talk about those who are gone during all holiday meals and remember special moments you all enjoyed together during holidays past. Then make good use of those lovely spring flowers that decorate your homes and especially the dining tables during Easter and Passover. Don’t let them wither and die. The […]

Walking Your Way Out of Grief

Posted on March 22, 2013 - by Harriet Hodgson

You’re grieving now, feeling lost, alone, helpless, and depressed. I understand some of your feelings. Six years ago, my elder daughter and father-in-law died the same weekend. My husband and I felt crushed by grief and we sat on the couch and sobbed for weeks. Finally, our sobs waned and we went for a walk in the neighborhood. Walking felt good after sitting so long. My husband and I kept walking. Though we didn’t walk daily, we walked regularly, several times a week. While we were walking, we talked about our loved ones and how grief had changed us. As […]

What “Red and Me “Taught Me About The Grief Journey

Posted on March 20, 2013 - by David Roberts

A Boston State of Mind I have been a Boston Celtics fan since I was fourteen years old. I know that there are many New Yorkers who like Boston teams, but from my experience it has been mainly the Boston Red Sox. I may be one of the few New Yorkers who has ever liked the Boston Celtics. When it comes to basketball, many New Yorkers are primarily New York Knicks fans. I always liked the Celtics because they played great team basketball, weren’t hung up on individual accomplishments and had players and coaches who conducted themselves with integrity. My […]