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How Do You Honor Co-Worker on Anniversary of Her Death?

Posted on May 26, 2009 - by Patrick T. Malone

Michele writes in: At our company, the executive secretary to the President, who was only in her early 30s, died last year suddenly one afternoon. She had been with the company for 12 years. She was like family to many of her coworkers. Any suggestions as to how to recognize the one-year anniversary of her death in a very low key manner? Patrick T. Malone responds: I think the best way would be for the company to do something in her memory: a contribution to her favorite charity in her memory, a contribution to her school in her memory, for […]

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Grief Goes to Work: Part One

Posted on May 26, 2009 - by Patrick T. Malone

By Patrick T. Malone — Jack Gordon, former president of the Hospice Foundation of America, once said: “In a very real sense in our society, the workplace has become a kind of extended family. Businesses have responded to the changing needs of American families by adding programs that reflect this connection between work and life. Flexible work schedules, onsite childcare, and support for employees caring for aged parents or other loved ones are just a few of the initiatives reflecting those changes. It follows then that grief and bereavement affect the workplace as well.” I am the father of four […]

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The Everyday Hero

Posted on May 25, 2009 - by Eric Tomei

Today as we celebrate Memorial Day, honoring all of our brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day so we can continue to enjoy our daily freedoms, we remember that these people are everyday people who live in your neighborhood.   These are the people you see at the police station, corner store, or in an executive’s office.   These brave men and women are your father or my mother.   These people are our real American heroes. My Dad died three years ago from an unexpected heart attack. It was sudden and it turned […]

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‘Decorate Your Memory’ on Memorial Day

Posted on May 25, 2009 - by Sharon Greenlee

By Sharon Greenlee — When you see or hear Memorial Day, what are the first visuals and words that pop into your mind?? I see the cemetery, the funeral, my mother’s grave. I hear my grandmother’s mournful crying, and I see and hear all of this through the eyes of the ten-year old who experienced it. Before that time, Memorial Day meant American flags, and Mason jars filled with peonies placed on graves of long-past relatives that I knew only through stories. I asked this same question of two friends who haven’t lost close loved ones yet.  Growing up in […]

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Poem: This Memorial Day

Posted on May 24, 2009 - by Mitch Carmody

By Mitch Carmody — Do not bring flowers to my grave and weep I did not die I do not sleep Lament not at my passing with tears upon my stone I do not lay beneath the sod and you are not alone Bouquets of flowers will not bring me back my voice cannot be heard look for me upon the wind in the song of a singing bird I now reside within your heart you must live my life for me your head, your heart, your hands have now become my legacy Allow my heart to beat in concert […]

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Myths Surrounding Loss

Posted on May 23, 2009 - by admin

by David Daniels, M.D. – Destructive myths abound concerning the loss and grief process. First, contrary to some views, there is no one “right” way to die or grieve; our personality type makes a difference. Some of us go in peace and some screaming. Many people don’t go through all the steps in the dying process outlined by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross (On Death and Dying) or in the order she states. She lists in order: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance/resignation. By bargaining, she means asking for a favor or another chance, often based on the promise of good behavior. […]

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Poem: Testimony

Posted on May 23, 2009 - by admin

Copyright 2009 by Nora Hall Burton The first day of Spring and I celebrate by clearing the dead branches…They lay scattered in mute testimony.. Never the gardener that you were I find the flower beds that you built and planted while I lay stretched out in the summer sun. I laughed then when you told me that the flowers would bring happiness to someone even if you weren’t here and in a way because of them you are still here. I remember that day because you spoke of the Spanish town of Guernica that Hitler bombed…A town of 5,000 then […]

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Can’t Think of Mom Without Crying

Posted on May 22, 2009 - by Marty Tousley

Question from a reader: I just wish for the day when I can think of my mom without crying. Why does it seem to last for so long? It’s been five months since my mom passed and I still can’t think of her without bawling. I’ve been very depressed lately and some days are better than others, but it often feels as if I’m on a roller-coaster. I just want to keep it together for my daughter; I don’t like falling apart in front of her. I wish there was an easy solution to all of this pain. I just […]

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Memorial Day Reminds Us to Work for Peace

Posted on May 22, 2009 - by Pamela Prime

By Pamela Prime — This Memorial Day is once again a significant and special day to remember our soldiers who have offered their lives for our well-being and the well-being of the world. As our soldiers continue to be sent to the Middle East and elsewhere, we must continue to support them with our love and our prayers regardless of how we feel about war. I have a friend, Dr. John, who is now in Afghanistan. He is an orthopedic surgeon who has given seven months of his life to support the healing of our soldiers through surgery but also […]

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From Tears to Ideas, the Healing Begins

Posted on May 21, 2009 - by Mary Bart

By Mary Bart — Words can barely describe the depth of loss I felt when my father died.  I believe that I cried every day for at least a couple of years. My life felt so empty and so alone.  I was 48 years old, and did not know how I was going to get on with my life.  Every night, I would take my two dogs for a walk before heading to bed, and I would cry and talk with my dad. While my heart was broken with his loss, I still had the responsibility to help care for […]

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