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Articles:

November 23, 2006 Thanksgiving Reflections Joy Johnson

NOVEMBER 23, 2006 – THANKSGIVING REFLECTIONS:? JOY JOHNSON has written or edited more than 150 books on grief.? She is co-founder, along with her husband, Dr. Marvin Johnson, of Centering Corporation and Ted E. Bear Hollow, a center for grieving children. Centering Corporation, has received the TCF Professional award, and is North America?s oldest and largest bereavement resource center.? Centering is also the official bookstore for The Compassionate Friends.? Her compassion and understanding have touched many lives. Join us for a discussion of traditions, memories, and challenges of Thanksgiving Day without that special person.? http://www.centeringcorp.com/catalog/ and http://www.tedebearhollow.org/

PAM, Life Beyond Death; Joy Beyond Grief by Christy Lowry; BOOK REVIEW

Pam: Life Beyond Death; Joy Beyond Grief By Christy Lowry Publication Consultants (2000) Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (1/06) When I first read the book’s cover, telling the true story of a family’s dealing with the loss of a 13 year old daughter/sister I simply didn’t know if I COULD read the entire story. I was expecting a story of horror, sorrow, and pain. Instead, what I got was a story of faith, love, and in the end, happiness. While some sadness was evident in the beginning of the story, losing a child is traumatic and painful for […]

Grieving, A Poem: When the Crabapple Blooms

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 […]

Behavioral Symptoms of Grief: You Are Not Alone

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

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

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.

Left Behind

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.

Leading Grief Groups: The Preliminaries

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

In Loving Memory

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

Final Flight of My Mother’s Spirit

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 […]

New Orleans Grief

In a New York Times article on December 11, 2005, Clifford J. Levy remarks that “it has become almost taboo to discuss any proposal more modest than an immediate and total rebuilding…Suggest that New Orleans needs to consider repopulating only elevated areas, leaving especially flood-prone ones to lie fallow, and you will be shouted down.”

Open to Hope is an online community offering inspirational stories of loss, hope and recovery. We believe hope is the bridge between loss and recovery.