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Holidays and Grief Series: The Death of an In-Law

Posted on December 11, 2007 - by admin

Note from Dr. Gloria: I wrote the following article with grief and in-laws in mind; however, there is some important information for all bereavement.  We know that the Holidays are a difficult time for all of you.  Take care of yourself.  Write for the blog.  Comment on others articles.  Eat healthy foods, avoid alcohol.  Ask others for help.  Let friends decorate your tree. Exercise even if it is only walking around the block.  Listen to our radio program and take strength from our wonderful guests.  The greatest gift you can give yourself and those who love you, including the ones […]

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Open to hope

Poem: I Wish

Posted on December 10, 2007 - by admin

Mother, I never imagined you’ll be standing at my grave Praying, chatting with me, fearless and brave Mother, I know you are so miserable and sad And no one can ease your pain, even Dad I know your happy days with me are gone Can a mother ever be content after losing a daughter or a son? Life will forever be to you incomplete And joyful events will always be bittersweet Mother, rest assured that I hear your cries And listen to your aching heart and silent sighs I wish I can come and wipe away your flowing tears Including […]

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Anticipatory Grief and Holidays: 12 Survival Tips

Posted on November 26, 2007 - by Harriet Hodgson

Anticipatory grief – a feeling of loss before a death or dreaded event occurs – is a hard journey. Holidays make it even harder. At a time when you’re supposed to feel happy and joyful, you feel sad and anxious. You’re on pins and needles and wonder what will happen next. Remember, your grief stems from love, and you may find comfort in that. Holidays don’t erase your reasons for feeling sad and lonely, according to the National Mental Health Association, and “there is room for these feelings to be present.” So accept your feelings and, if you feel like […]

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How to Be Kind to Yourself When Mourning

Posted on November 25, 2007 - by admin

Have you forgotten all about your physical needs since the death of your loved one? Perhaps you have lost all interest in life. Are you afraid to focus your attention on anything other than the deceased, because you believe to do so means you are being disrespectful? Forgetting the self and thinking that any form of enjoyment when grieving is wrong, causes millions of mourners unnecessary suffering. The beliefs that fuel these behaviors exist and are reinforced based on a lack of information about the nature of the grief process. Grieving is arduous mental and physical work; it affects every […]

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Poem: Can You Take Away My Endless Pain?

Posted on November 19, 2007 - by admin

Can you take away my endless pain? Then, stop preaching! Your plea is in vain “It is good to do this or do that” you comment “To have closure and move on and stop your lament” These words make my heart ache Please, do not mention them for my sake I know your intention is to comfort me However, you are causing me pain, can’t you see? Time is the best healer everyone says It will get better and easier throughout the days You do not understand, it is a shame! Believe me I know it is out of love, […]

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Poem: A Year Has Passed

Posted on November 5, 2007 - by admin

A broken heart, mine has become From a pain that is only known to some There is no pain like a mother’s pain Who is unable to see her daughter again A year has gone, my precious one When you said, “Mum, come watch the sun” Hours later, you were called to heaven above Leaving me astounded and all those you love No tears can wash away the grief in my heart Your death has ripped it to pieces apart The amazing woman you have grown Blessed with many things, let wit alone Has been chosen to leave early, by […]

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I’m So Lost Without My Son

Posted on September 28, 2007 - by admin

I lost my 20 year old son October 12, 2006 and I am so lost without him we did everything together .He was my best friend and my only child. The loss and desperation that I feel cannot be explained. There seems not to be any consoling or relief of the hole that I have in my heart. Bill was so happy his laughter and love of life was contagious, his smile lit a room. He never said a bad word about anyone or anything.My son now rests in the hands of Jesus, and lights the stars and moon at […]

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I Have Lost 2 Sons, a Brother and My Mother. What Do I Do Now?

Posted on September 27, 2007 - by admin

My youngest son, Chad 17 died in and auto wreck on 1-1-04 at age 17, his older brother was all that held me together. Chuck turned 20 that year, we just hung on to each other. I made him leave me and go to college one week after the funeral. We take everyday. Then 2-12-2006 I got the next horrible phone call telling me Chuck was dead. Now I just don’t know what to do. I CAN’T get over it. I was getting a little better and then on July 6th my brother died and on july 7 my mom […]

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My Daughter was Killed on My Motercycle

Posted on September 27, 2007 - by admin

Katrina- My heart goes out to you. On August 25th, 2007, I laid my motorcycle down and as the tragic events go?that ride cost me my 10year old daughter. She was riding on the bike w/me. Brooke was my everything. I was there, I lived it and I live w/the lingering guilt everyday, I did this to her. I go to bed each night hating myself and wake up everyday wondering why people are so kind to me. If it weren?t for my 12 year old son, I think my husband would outwardly hate me for the responsibility I bare […]

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Open to hope

Poem: Colors

Posted on September 26, 2007 - by admin

The Earth lost all its color the day you went away I look around and all I see are different shades of gray If I to traveled up to space and looked in the rear view mirror The Earth would be as pale as the moon Without you living here. The forests dull, fields turning brown All I know each day is that you’re not around. Bright orange poppies Amazing color you might see… But even they look faded… insignificant to me. Where did the beauty go? Why can’t I see it? Why did the world fade away. It doesn’t […]

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