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Susan Elizabeth Designs helps the Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation

Posted on March 8, 2007 - by admin

Dear Friends,? As you probably know by now, I started designing jewelry a little over two years ago as therapy during those times when I needed to do something with my grief that was creative and kept my hands busy–something other than typing.? I discovered quite by accident that I had a talent with designing and making jewelry.? Over the last two years, I have designed and made hundreds of pieces that have been successfully sold in stores in Pacific Palisades where I live.? I design it, make it, stores in Pacific Palisades sell it, and the proceeds go back […]

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Open to hope

Krystal’s Bench

Posted on March 8, 2007 - by admin

Dear Heidi and Dr. Gloria, ? I wanted to send you these pictures. Krystal’s Bench is located in St. augustine, FL at the Mission of Nombre De Dios and La Leche Shrine. (About 7 miles from our house.) I am not Catholic, but chose this place because of its beauty and sacred atmosphere. Jo Ann Webb, Krystal’s Mom ?

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Survivor e-Network

Posted on March 8, 2007 - by admin

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) would like to welcome you to the Survivor e-Network.? Through the Survivor e-Network, AFSP reaches out to survivors (and interested others) with periodic updates about resources for healing, conferences, educational programs, research developments, and advocacy opportunities. Too often, survivors feel alone and powerless as they struggle with their sorrow and questions. We hope the Survivor e-Network will provide both reassurance and information. Heal in your own way. Learn what you need to know. Get involved when you’re ready. Let us help.? Take good care, Joanne Harpel, AFSP Director of Survivor Initiatives, and Ed […]

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Open to hope

David McCaig: Healing Through Music

Posted on March 8, 2007 - by admin

?Though it seems like there?s no possible way to carry on, that will change as difficult and as hard as maybe you don?t want it to change because you?ve lost your child and you don?t want to let go.? But it?s not about letting go.? It?s about carrying on, and there is hope because if you work through the grief and love in your heart and just carry on, time will allow you to heal.? I could never have thought this possible, but it is.? I would have been the last person to say this six years ago.

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Your Final Tribute to a Loved One

Posted on March 7, 2007 - by admin

I remember the day as if it was yesterday.? We?d all poured out from church and were getting into cars, heading home for our Sunday lunches. Just before I jumped in the car, I gave our friend Paul a hug, he was due to be getting married in a couple of weeks and he and his fianc?e were so in love.

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Justice For Nick

Posted on March 6, 2007 - by admin

On September 14, 2005 Nick Wilson died in a fire at his mother’s home. While his mother escaped unharmed, this child’s life ended prematurely. His mother never attempted to wake her son, or thought of staying with her child. Her selfish act saved her own life, but cost Nick his. Only days before Nick’s death his father desperately tried to get local law enforcement to check on Nick because of his mother’s abusive nature towards him. Instead he was verbally harassed and threatened by an off duty officer and Nick was never checked on. Nick’s mother has a documented record […]

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Open to hope

Saying Goodbye

Posted on March 5, 2007 - by admin

Look to this day! It is life, the whole of all life. In its brief course lies all the realities of existence: The bliss of growth. The glory of action. The splendor of achievement. Yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow only a vision. Today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream. Tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore to this day! It is the salutation to your future. If you have to ask what this poem has to do with saying goodbye, read it again. I have a friend whose mother passed away over a dozen years ago. […]

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Dear Cyber Friends,

Posted on March 2, 2007 - by admin

Dear Cyber Friends, ? I am sure most of you are aware that March 29, 1999, is the Anniversary of our son Keith. He died 8 years ago. As the month arrives I start having flash backs to when we were told that Keith had died. I know that some of you are so new in your grief and to you 8 years seems like so long ago however the pain is still there but not as intense as new grief. The Gift of Keith I posted on my website an article that my husband Dick wrote last year. You […]

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Poem: Time

Posted on March 2, 2007 - by admin

Is Time my friend Or my enemy? Yes, Time has washed away the sharp edges The intensity of the pain And provided some relief But will Time rob me of the images I need to hold on to Will it take the sound of his voice Will it take the feel of his tight hug Will the bright smile fade away Along with the quick laughter That always softened my heart I have a place where he visits Inside my heart and soul Whenever I go there He is waiting And we talk awhile When I move around this altered […]

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Ways to Cope With Bereavement

Posted on March 2, 2007 - by admin

Most traumas, including the death of a spouse are potentially shattering experiences. These events can disrupt the survivor?s social, emotional, and cognitive worlds. Although there has been frequent mention in the literature that traumatic situations cause people to talk about their experiences most evidence has been anecdotal. When someone within a social network dies, members of the network are naturally drawn together. During the grieving period especially within the first few days or weeks the survivors socially share their emotions and memories with each other.

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