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Poem: 10 Thanksgivings

Posted on November 27, 2008 - by Pamela Gabbay

A poem by Pamela Gabbay –

Surviving Holidays With The In-Laws

Posted on November 27, 2008 - by Neil Chethik

By Dr. Gloria Horsley – Getting through the holidays after a loss is always a challenge. One of the things that can make it especially difficult is finding the energy to deal with in-law issues. The problems are not new but after a loss your patience may wear thin. Here are some suggestions and thoughts to help you through troubled waters. Also remember Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukah are only one day. Anticipation of the event is sometimes far worse than the actual day. Common In-law issues during the holidays Family Loyalty – Pull toward the biological family “My wife feels guilty […]

Three Years After His Suicide, Her Guilt is Fading

Posted on November 26, 2008 - by Christa Scalies

By Christa Scalies —

Spiritual Struggles After a Child Dies

Posted on November 25, 2008 - by Beth Seyda

Beth Seyda, BS –?

Aging and Fear: Choose a Different Path

Posted on November 25, 2008 - by Carol O'Dell

As I was caregiving my mother, I couldn’t help but observe my mother’s words and actions. If you live with someone, talk and listen, you begin to notice patterns. The same old things get said day in and day out. We’re all such creatures of habit. As my mother continued to age, she lost her ability to filter her thoughts or hide her fears. It got me thinking about where I am now…and who I will become. What concerns will linger and play and replay like a needle stuck on a record? What judgements will slip out when I am too tired or too […]

The Choice to End Treatment: Whose Decision is It?

Posted on November 24, 2008 - by Norman Fried

By Norman Fried —

How Do I Know If I Need Counseling?

Posted on November 24, 2008 - by Neil Chethik

Melissa asks this question: Two years ago, I lost a best friend unexpectedly, and I had to bear the news to her two young kids with no one there to help. After that, I ended a 12-year relationship and lost my grandfather. I took all of this in stride. Do you think this is healthy without having sought any counseling? I made changes and moved back home to start over. Dr. Robert Neimeyer, author of Lessons of Loss: A Guide to Coping, responds:Dear Melissa: As you recognize, there are times when talking to a counselor about our reactions to loss makes plenty […]

Making Choices

Posted on November 23, 2008 - by Sandy Fox

by Sandy Fox “If life doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.” I don’t know who said that, but it’s true. After your child dies, you have a choice: to continue living or to lie down and give up. I chose to live. In order to do that, I had to have a new purpose in my life. Whether it was a cause, helping others or just finding new interests, my life took on new meaning eventually, and as I look back now, 14 years later, I know I have my daughter to thank for all that has happened […]

Understanding Sibling Survivor Guilt

Posted on November 23, 2008 - by Neil Chethik

By Bob Baugher – When a sibling dies, the surviving brothers and sisters often feel enormous guilt. Here are five common types of guilt with a brief description of each. 1. Death-Causation Guilt — In this type of guilt, the sibling actually caused the death or perceived that he or she did something to contribute to the death. 2. If-Only Guilt — Here, the person thinks again and again about all the possible factors that could have somehow contributed to the death. When an auto accident is the cause of death, common thoughts may be: “If only I hadn’t driven.” “If only I hadn’t […]

After Daughter’s Death, Mother Finds Way Back to God

Posted on November 22, 2008 - by Lisa Buell

By Lisa Buell —