June 11th of last year was the 30th anniversary of the death of my friend Curtis in a car accident.
As part of my healing process, I set out on a “deliberate journey of the soul”, …

Loneliness is not a surprising by-product of widowhood.  I mean, even for the people who have never been through it, it’s a no-brainer.  But frankly, I think that “lonely” is not a strong enough word.
 
There …

It has been nearly 25 years since my son Brian was killed by a drunk driver.  He was 19 years old. We miss him terribly.  Life has never been the same without him. 
When I use …

It has been nearly 25 years since my son Brian was killed by a drunk driver.  He was 19 years old. We miss him terribly.  Life has never been the same without him.
Raising my children …

Child-loss is so very devastating. In the beginning, you can find little or no joy. But after several months, I was able to feel some comfort. So I tried to zero in on that and do things …

Four years ago, I lost my beautiful 23-year-old daughter, Keren, on March 18, 2006. Therefore, I know firsthand how painful it is to lose a child. At first, I really didn’t think I would survive, …

Many in our society do not recognize the impact that pet loss has on an individual. For many people, the loss of a beloved pet may be the first significant loss that is experienced in …

Has it hurt me physically?
Yes, it has.
If I could do it all over again, would I?
Yes, I would.
Would I have let someone else do it?
No, I couldn’t.
Did I comfort you in your time of need?
Yes, …

The words sympathy and empathy are often used interchangeably, and yet they are distinct expressions.
In times of death, it’s customary to extend sympathy by sharing our sorrow for what’s happened. Sympathy cards are usually synonymous …

That first Valentine’s Day after Rhod died was very difficult for me. This had been our special day and now he was gone. He died on Feb 6, 1999, and eight days later it was …

If there is one thing for sure about our grief journey, it seems to be there is very little for sure about our grief journey.  Walking this road together as two bereaved parents who never …

This is the last in a 3-part series about how to talk about grief, and how to listen to others who are grieving.
The following is advice for those who are willing to try to …

The pain of tonight
He’s finally resting.
He’s not hurting
That is all that matters
In this life of mine.
The struggles of the past
Been there, died there.
Nothing compares
To the love of today
Wanting, wanting to protect.
How do I comfort?
Same question …

Whether it was anticipated or sudden, the death of a loved one is a traumatic experience.  Two and a half years ago, my daughter died from the injuries she received in a car crash.  Death …

Tami writes in: I just lost my 18-year-old son in a motorcycle accident….I am so devastated!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can someone help me??????? He is my life!
Dr. Gloria Horsley, founder of www.opentohope.com, responds: Dear Tami: Our hearts go …

Growing up my Dad used to get so frustrated when he would have to repeat things over and over again to me.  It is not that I didn’t understand them, it was probably more like …