My mother died from breast cancer at the age of 37; I was 18 years old when she died. She fought for 2 years. My maternal grandmother was in her 60’s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was one of the lucky ones. She lived a full life until the age of 82. Me, well, I always had a…
Raising children who grieve might be the hardest thing ever. I thought telling my 3 year old son back in February of 2010 that his Daddy died was the worst thing I ever had to do. That his “heart stopped beating. that although the doctors tried very hard to save him and usually doctors DO save people, his father had died.…
I met my husband five years ago yesterday. Okay that is kind of false for a couple reasons. First, we actually met in kindergarten and grew up in the same neighborhood, I just didn't remember him. Secondly, it is 11:15pm and we all know how long winded I can be, so it may be tomorrow by the time this is…
Almost four years ago I was about to learn that my happy world was about to be ravaged by fear. In August 2013 as I went to pick up my husband from his colonoscopy appointment with my 4 year old and 7 year old in tow, the secretary told me that she would watch my children for me in the lobby.…
I held back tears last week as I waited to check out at the Dr's office. Not just any doctor, I should explain. Obstetrics and Gynecology. I stood behind a young couple. The woman was at the desk. The father was rocking an infant carrier. The baby was giggling. The rock on her hand seemed to sparkle despite the gross…
I blatantly copied this image from Pinterest. I have zero right to use it but I had to share it. If I knew who the artist was I'd give credit where credit is due. Because the minute I saw it, it instantly brought tears to my eyes. I've had it for a while now and every time I go to post…
What does it take to live life again after loss? It takes a mindset that wants to win a battle that seems never ending. Grief is a nasty little f-er that plays tricks on your mind. In order to beat the "Grief Monster" at his game, you have to be two steps ahead, yet ready to move three steps backward. I…
Babe, I know you hear me when I talk to you, sometimes I can hear you talking back in my head. So, you're probably wondering why I'm putting all this in writing when you can't read it. All I can say is it helps to get it out of my head and there's so much I want to say to you.…
They say the five stages of grief are 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression and 5. Acceptance. If only grief were that clear cut. For most people - it doesn't work like that. Denial and Bargaining sort of came as a joint stage for me. Despite knowing that my husband was dead the minute I really looked at…
Remember when Charlie Brown used to say, "Good Grief"? Let's talk about good grief. What is grieving well......what can it look like? Since everyone is unique, the grief journey looks a little bit different for each of us. However, some things will be constant. We will miss our dear loved one. The pain is very strong year one, and…