“If you simply cannot understand why someone is grieving so much, for so long, then consider yourself fortunate.” DR. JOANNE CACCIATORE Grief isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. We all experience it differently. And we all experience it differently at different times. The way we experience grief is kind of like skydiving. Only the person…… Continue reading An Open Letter To Those Helping Me Grieve
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How to Create Your Own Sacred Space
Creating a special, sacred space for yourself will help you to expand your sense of wonder and appreciation for life.Your sacred space is a place where you can push pause and do a little reflection or it can be a place where you can take a few breaths in peace and quiet while going about…… Continue reading How to Create Your Own Sacred Space
Things to Consider When First Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness
You’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I am very sorry. There is no right or wrong way to handle this experience. Time seems to stand still when you first hear the diagnosis. Everyone handles it differently. Some people push it away, some cry, some are angry; some are silent, some get scared, and some…… Continue reading Things to Consider When First Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness
15 Signs from Deceased Loved Ones
The night my dying husband had a conversation with his deceased brother in my living room was the night I found the first feather. Shane was dying from a very aggressive cancer. He was receiving visits near the end of his life from his mother and brother who passed away before him. It was quite…… Continue reading 15 Signs from Deceased Loved Ones
How Death and Funerals Have Changed in the U.S.
Up until the Civil War era in the United States, we used to hold our funerals in our homes.When we knew our loved ones were dying, it was common practice to remain with them. The family would nurse them by day and neighbors would “sit up” with them during the night. (They could alert family…… Continue reading How Death and Funerals Have Changed in the U.S.
75% of All Deaths are Caused by 12 Things
People in the world today are more likely to die from a terminal illness than an unexpected or sudden death. We have been learning how to live with death for an extended period of time and our grieving process starts at diagnosis rather than at death itself.Did you know that 75% of all deaths in…… Continue reading 75% of All Deaths are Caused by 12 Things
How to Express Sympathy: What to Say and What Not to Say
When crafting a message of sympathy, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. All of us have different beliefs. When your beliefs differ from the deceased or their family we must be considerate with what we do and say. The way we grieve is not universal. While your heart might be in the…… Continue reading How to Express Sympathy: What to Say and What Not to Say
Funeral and Memorial Poems
A collection of poems useful when planning a funeral or memorial. My sincere sympathy for your loss. (If you are specifically looking for poems on the loss of a child, click here.) Afterglowby Helen Lowrie MarshallI’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life…… Continue reading Funeral and Memorial Poems
Funeral and Memorial Poems-Children
Here are a few poems geared toward the loss of a child. If you are here because you or someone you know has lost a child, please accept my deepest condolences. The mention of my child’s nameMay bring tears to my eyes,But it never fails to bringMusic to my ears.Let me hear the beautifulmusic of…… Continue reading Funeral and Memorial Poems-Children
I Hope You Dance
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be the last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead, I put the car in park and walked up to the door, and knocked. “Just a minute,” answered…… Continue reading I Hope You Dance