When I used to help facilitate grief workshops for children and teens one of the first questions on our registration form asked if the child attendee had ever experienced the death of a pet. Some parents were startled or perturbed by this question. One mom corned me at check-in and wanted to know what the deal was since her child was there because his or her grandparent had died...an actual person NOT a dog or cat. She actually said that last part with a snarl. I tried to ex

You may think that you are healed especially years after a loss... but you can go off the rails and have your grief return bearing down on you again like a runaway steam engine when you have reminders of your loved one's death. I am sorry to tell you that your grief can return when you experience additional losses, during holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, when you hear a song on the radio or see a certain plant or flower. Some things you cannot prepare for such as what hap

Life is as fragile as a spider's web. Web-like threads woven into the fabric of our lives connecting each of us to others. Sadness ensues when those threads fray or break. Another dear friend of mine died yesterday. He had been taken off of life support a week ago. This past week has been one of reflection and anticipatory grief. Waiting for the sad news wasn't easy. When faced with the knowledge that the clock is not only ticking but winding down it is normal to reminisce