A Letter, A Friend, and a Weber Grill
There are many ways to process the loss of a loved one. On Friday the 13th, it will be my 12th widow-versary. In other words, 12 years ago, my husband, Brad, passed away. Every widow-versary is different. Sometimes I completely forget about it. I feel victorious when that day comes and goes without much ado. And other
It's More Than A Park Bench.
There are many ways to process the loss of a loved one. "This is beautiful. Michael loved this park. We spent a lot of time around here, so this is a good place for the bench. I love the landscaping, too. Thank you for helping us with this. It means a lot to us." said Mary "Mary, it was my pleasure. Please give my rega
Suicide. Silence and Shame.
There are many ways to process the loss of a loved one. I adored my paternal grandparents and always wondered why I did not have maternal grandparents. When I would ask my mom about them, every muscle in her body would tighten, and she would say: "Suicide is for cowards! They are selfish and never think about who they
Co-Workers Who Care
There are many ways to process a loss.On a beautiful Thursday evening, Gail took her two dogs, a large huskie named Max, and a small poodle mix, Minnie, for a walk. The two dogs enjoyed playing with each other. This time Max was playing more aggressively than usual with Minnie. Gail quickly attempted to pull Max away f
Navigating the Holidays After a Loss
There are many ways to process a loss. During the holidays, it can be extra difficult for people who experienced a loss. It can be challenging to feel happy and festive when you feel sad, alone, and isolated. A few years ago, my husband, Brad, and my dad, Jule, died from cancer. Brad died in January, and my dad died in
Wildflowers
There are many ways to process a loss. "Skylar! It's time to get up. Come on. It's time to get up and start your day. I mean, it's only noon." said Skylar's mom, Kathy. "Mom, I can't. Not today," said Skylar. "Look, Sky, I know you're heartbroken, but isn't it time you start leaning into your life? You and Chris were n
The Rainbow Baby
There are many ways to process loss. Amanda and Curt had been dating for four years. Amanda was an Administrative Assistant for an accountant, and Curt worked in logistics for UPS. In early 2020, Amanda suspected she was pregnant, so she bought a pregnancy test. The following Saturday morning, Curt and Amanda sat patie
Schmoopy Wasn't Just a Dog
There are many ways to process the loss of a pet. My beloved, 11-year-old dog, Schmoopy, died a year ago. It was a significant loss for me. In 2010, my husband, Brad, had a rare form of brain cancer. He insisted that we adopt a puppy. I thought it was a ridiculous idea. However, Brad persuades me to be open to getting
A New York-Style Ofrenda
There are many ways to process the loss of a loved one. "It's New York-style cheesecake or die! Amelia, how can you not love New York-style cheesecake? It is the best cheesecake in the world!" said Samuel. Amelia remembered how her brother, Samuel, used to argue with her about which cheesecake was the best as she place
A Lot to Unpack
There are many ways to process the loss of a relationship. After 20 years of marriage and three children, Rocco divorced his wife. According to Rocco, the divorce had been in the works for several years. Rocco heard about a gift box and journal designed to help people process the loss of a relationship, so he ordered one for himself. He was intrigued by it.
The Tattoo
There are many ways to process the loss of a pet. Thirteen years ago, Adam filed for legal separation from his ex-wife and moved into a small apartment. He was lonely and had always wanted a dog, so he went to a local shelter and adopted Rocket, a female, eight-week-old, Cockapoo. Adam's legal separation quickly turned