Shirley Wiles-Dickinson

Shirley Wiles-Dickinson is the youngest of four girls in a Midwestern family. In 2009, her sister was brutally murdered. She writes about her experience following this loss.

Articles:

Norway Killings: The ‘Why’ Lingers

When I first heard the news about the senseless murders in Norway, my thoughts immediately went to the survivors of the murdered people: the shock, the disbelief, the surreal feelings […]

The Three Ds of Dealing with Grief

It will soon be two years since my dear sister was murdered. Two years. Sometimes it seems like forever, yet most days, it seems like only yesterday. Over the […]

Casey Anthony Verdict Stirs Fears in Sister of Murdered Woman

Like many people this past week, I heard the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. I did not follow the trial closely so I really don’t know what evidence was […]

What To Do With a Loved One’s Possessions?

What to do with your loved one’s possessions? Less than two months after my sister’s murder, her 24-year-old daughter (my niece) called and asked for my help. My sister owned […]

Woman Finds it Hard to Trust after Sister’s Murder

“A normal reaction to a very abnormal situation.” My psychologist spoke those words to me so often in the months following my sister’s murder. Choosing to seek the help of […]

Releasing Anger While Dealing with Loss

As most of us know, there are certain things that trigger our emotions while on this journey of grief. I think it’s safe to say that we all understand there […]

For Family of Murder Victim, Wheels of Justice Turn Slowly

My sister was murdered on September 17, 2009. Six months and 5 days later, on March 23, 2010, an arrest was made. It will soon be 18 months since her […]

When Living in Grief, ‘Keep Walking’

Within two weeks after my sister’s death, I knew, as did my husband, that I was not in a good place. I felt like I was walking around the edge […]

Tucson Murders Rekindle Memories of Sister’s Death

I’ve been listening and reading about the senseless shootings in Arizona. Such a tragedy. I think about all the families and friends affected by this terrible act. I think about […]

Before and After

Have you ever noticed how when we lose a loved one, over time we measure events and time by before and after. My son graduated from college before Dad […]

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