Digging deeper than you ever thought you could when you need to learn to breathe again… That moment when life as you know it stops. Time stands still with the…
The Role of Funerals and Memorial Services in Grieving
After she died in 2018, the family of Aretha Franklin planned three public viewings before her funeral. She donned a different, but still fabulous, outfit at each viewing. When speaking…
Surviving and Thriving as a Single or Solo Parent
And just like that, I was a single parent Whether by choice or not, the sheer overwhelm can take over on most days as you navigate life as a single…
As Grief Overcame Me, My Faith Supported Me
Life often unfolds in ways that defy our expectations. Young children starve, sickness runs rampant, and parents face the unimaginable grief of burying their children. My darkest day arrived on…
The Impact of Collective Grief on Communities
Collective grief is when a community experiences a significant loss together, regardless of any connection they may have to the victims. This type of grief usually occurs with events such…
Unexpected Farewell: The Loss That Shaped My High School Years & Beyond
It was August of 2009. I was getting ready to head to freshman orientation at my high school. As we were preparing to leave, I briefly heard something about a…
Why it is Essential to Keep Memories of Those We’ve Lost Alive
In the early stages of 2020, as the pandemic ravaged the world faster than we could understand, I discovered that a childhood friend’s mom tragically lost her battle with COVID….
The Shock of Sudden Loss: My Story of Grieving a Friend
I want to preface this article by stating that this is simply based on my own experience and some advice a friend gave me. Every grief experience is different, so…
Love and Loss: How My Canine Companion Changed My Understanding of Grief
In my life, I often thought there was something wrong with me as I’ve never known much grief in my life since my youth which is another story. In my life, I…
The Complicated Reality of Grieving Your Abuser
Contrary to popular belief, grieving your abuser’s death is not always cause for celebration. The reality of grieving your abuser is a complex array of emotions that can leave you feeling estranged from loved ones.