There is a tendency in our society to talk about healing loss, like it is a physical wound.  It reduces loss to nothing more than an illness to be cured.  Our objective is to heal …

When I picked up my four-year old grandson at preschool, Kenny was proud to introduce me to his new friend.  Even at a young age, we begin the life-long process of making friends.  If Kenny’s …

Every mourner has a story to share. You may share your story with family members, close friends, and community groups. But you need to share it without upsetting listeners so much they turn you off. …

I am continually amazed at the choreography of the dance that I experience at The Compassionate Friends national conference, and the huge impact is has on my body, mind and spirit when I walk off the dance …

Respondent
Laura Slap-Shelton was widowed at the age of 35 in 1991. Her first husband died suddenly leaving her with their 13 month old daughter. Being a psychologist, Laura assumed after the first week of her …

Question from a Reader:  I don’t know where or how to start. I lost a beloved dog a month ago. My other dog is critically ill. I lost a very good friend earlier this year. …

Amy Maddocks lost her son Connor, to a lung infection when he was only three days old.  Having always been a writer Amy turned to writing not only to help her through her …

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 …

Utica, NY – The All-Inclusive Care for Children Coalition will host “Beyond Words: Redefining Loss through Creative Approaches,” a daylong conference exploring creative approaches to assisting individuals and families coping with loss, on September 17, …

Question from a reader: Two months ago, my 21-year-old nephew, my sister’s only child, was killed in a car accident.  I was 19 when he was born.  I have feelings of love for him almost …

The dogs were barking strangely one early morning in July of 1970; I was 15 years old. I knew someone had probably driven up our driveway and was taking their time to come to the …

After any significant loss, we feel empty, lost, and engulfed with indescribable pain. One grueling process in grief work is connecting our feelings and state of being with words. However, once we get passed this …

Men go through all kinds of identity changes when they experience the loss of a child, especially a child who is older and has lived long enough to create established memories with his or her …

VIENNA, Va., June 14, 2010 – When those around us face tough times, we’re often at a loss for words. We may fear we’ll say the wrong thing and stay away or, we may hurt …

I am hastened into facing another day. Woken by the onslaught of my mourning.It is a struggle to keep the sorrow at bay, as it strikes me without warning. The terror impacts me the instant …

For those of you who have read Brain Drain, you remember the chapter that started with a dialogue from the popular Seinfeld episode about George doing the opposite and finding success. In the same episode, …