Last week I was standing in my kitchen when my heart sank as I remembered that February 28, 2018 will be the ten-year anniversary of my moms’ passing. I also realized that both mom and Claude died in leap years, what are the chances! Tears instantly filled my eyes and I soon found myself sobbing. … More Remembering Mom After Ten Years
Valentine’s Day seems innocent enough but for those of us who have lost a beloved sweetheart the thought of Valentine’s Day approaching is not something we take lightly. Our hearts have been shattered and this manufactured day serves as another reminder that they are gone. Feeling that void can seem overpowering and suffocating to our … More Valentine’s Day: Opening Our Hearts Again To Love
I have been working on my memoir over the past few months, writing about my experiences since my husband Claude died by suicide over five years ago. On the surface as I have faced this unimaginable loss it might appear that feeling any sense of gratitude would be elusive or unattainable. However, as I review … More Grief And Gratitude This Thanksgiving
As we approach the end of October the season is ripe for honoring our beloved ones who have passed with traditions such as the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead being just one of the many. Ultimately we can choose to honor or celebrate our loved ones’ memories in any number of ways that feel … More Honoring Our Beloveds While We Grieve
I am feeling grateful and renewed after spending a week in Southern CA. I went there to spend some quiet time by the sea with one of my beloved soul sisters and her family, and to reclaim my connection to the Pacific coast.I had forgotten how blissful it is to walk barefoot on the beach … More Lifelines: Keeping Us Afloat As We Grieve
This week has been a challenge for me. Grief has revealed itself within the perfectly positioned bookends of my wedding anniversary last Sunday and Father’s Day this Sunday. With this one-two punch it’s hard to avoid the emotional triggers of these two significant days. The pain of not only my father’s absence but Claude’s too on … More On Father’s Day: Wielding the Power Of Gratitude As I Grieve
I was reminded the other day during a conversation with a friend that today June 11th is my wedding anniversary. In the moment I thought it was odd that I had completely forgotten and that I honestly felt nothing. I remember thinking I would just let the day pass without any acknowledgement whatsoever. However, during … More Love: Still Something To Celebrate Even After We Lose Our Beloved
Being born in May could be why I relish the spirit of springtime. Everything is re-awakening with vibrant potentiality. Yet this birthday in particular, I am saddened that Claude is not by my side to usher me across the threshold of the BIG 60! On my 40th he cleverly hosted a surprise party at our … More My 60th Birthday: Following My Courageous Heart – Part One
It’s hard to believe it has been five years since that fateful day when my husband Claude made the decision to take his life. This may sound strange but I am truly grateful for all that has transpired since his death. That’s right, the good the bad and the ugly, every last bit of it. … More The Power Of Choice On Our Path Through Grief
I am releasing the pause button and returning to my writing practice. It has been over four weeks now since I wrote my last post: Claude’s Path to Suicide. I knew it would be hard, but writing that post was demanding and exhausting beyond what I had imagined. To write it, I had to go … More Releasing Resistance: The Way To Joy