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Grieving, A Poem: When the Crabapple Blooms

Posted on November 22, 2006 - by admin

This is a poem based on the act of a grieving son to come to terms with the death of his father. The process of planting a tree can prove very therapeutic. When the crabapple blooms, I will remember you, remember the pain that you felt. When its dark blooms appear, my thoughts turn to you, thoughts of suffering that make my heart melt. The plant was a gift from good, loving friends, who stood close at hand in my pain. In their kind, loving words, they suggested to me, that this tree would live on in your name. When […]

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Behavioral Symptoms of Grief: You Are Not Alone

Posted on November 22, 2006 - by admin

It is normal to feel pain and to grieve after the loss of a loved-one. There is no need to feel guilty for having overlooked a few minor obligations at home or at work when one is in the period of bereavement. It is never easy to lose someone we love. Most people deal with grief in their own ways. Some people get over pain quickly through frequent expression while others deal and get over it quickly if they try to find diversions. However, there are universal signs of grief that are manifested by people behaviorally. It is important to

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How to Choose a Memorial Poem or Verse for a Funeral or Life Celebration

Posted on November 22, 2006 - by admin

When choosing a poem or verse for a life celebration, funeral or memorial service you will first want to consider where you plan to use the poems and verses. Today, many people are going beyond just prayer cards and bookmarks and creating memorial service folders and various memorial favors. You also may wish to print the same poem or verse on thank-you notes that you will send out. If you are using the verse on a small size card obviously you will want to choose a shorter poem or verse.

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Understanding Your Grief

Posted on November 21, 2006 - by

Grieving is part of the realities of life. Losing a loved one is one of the most painful and profound losses of all. Every one of us has experienced or will experience grief at some time in our lives. It is a devastating feeling of sadness and loss. Often times this process is accompanied by physical aches, pains and even serious illness.

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Left Behind

Posted on November 21, 2006 - by admin

It?s been nine months when we said goodbye to each other as you made the transition into eternity. This morning I decided that it was time to remove what was left behind. Each day I?ve opened the closet and smelling your scent from the clothes still hanging there. Suits for church, casual clothes worn to work daily, shoes shiny and yes, a pair that needs a coat of polish. Should I polish them for you? No. You?ve left them behind.

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Why Don’t We Talk About Anticipatory Grief?

Posted on November 21, 2006 - by Harriet Hodgson

I know anticipatory grief – a feeling of loss before a death or dreaded event occurs – far too well. My mother suffered from probable Alzheimer’s disease and I was her caregiver for nine years. As time passed she lost the ability to reason, track numbers, read a book, understand TV, create sentences, and finally, the ability to speak.

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The Anticipatory Grief of Dementia

Posted on November 21, 2006 - by Harriet Hodgson

Dementia – the loss of intelligence, reasoning, memory, and will – is an awful thing to happen to anyone. There are many causes of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, thyroid problems, poor nutrition, drug interactions, brain tumor, and degenerative disease. I was my mother’s caregiver for nine years and watched, helplessly, as dementia changed her appearance, personality, and mind. Every day of caregiving was a day of anticipatory grief. I worried about myself. If I felt this badly now, how would I feel after my mother died?

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Leading Grief Groups: The Preliminaries

Posted on November 20, 2006 - by admin

Preparation: If you desire advertising the group, announcements need to go to the media at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the group. Most effective is either an article or listing under Grief/support groups in the local newspaper. At least once a year a mailing should go out to appropriate human services agencies listing the schedule and location of the meeting. Letters to clergy with an announcement attached requesting that it be placed in their church?s bulletin or newsletter is another resource you may want to consider. Of course, advertising on

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In Loving Memory

Posted on November 20, 2006 - by admin

For Bobby Jesus saw you getting weary Knew the struggle deep within He longed to quiet, still the storm And let your peace begin He knew the pain and heartache Your life you did endure

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Final Flight of My Mother’s Spirit

Posted on November 20, 2006 - by admin

For the moment, I am alone in the room. I take the time to let my weary eyelids lower over my eyes, expelling a long, soft breath past my lips as I do. A secret wish that what lingers before me would be gone when I opened my eyes, breezes through my mind. I cannot see for this little while, but I can still hear. The mechanical sounds landing on my ears defy and deceive the wish I?ve just made. Indeed, in my mind, I know it?s real; yet, my heart will always feel differently. Although my mind will suffer […]

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