For days now it seems that every time I look out the window or sit out on my patio I see the graceful and seemingly effortless flight of a Yellow Swallowtail butterfly. On my morning walks I see tiny white butterflies, sometimes in groups, that dance and fly as if they are celebrating life in … More What The Butterfly Can Teach Us About Grief
I felt a sense of peace being back home in Boulder after my awesome visit to Asheville. My heart felt enriched and satisfied. Waking up in my comfy bed that first day back I felt a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, ready to start this new chapter, this new decade. As I descended the … More Following My Courageous Heart – Part Two
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
The subject of how long it takes to move through our grief has come up a lot lately in conversations with friends and family. When Claude first died I had no idea that almost five years later my heart would still ache at times so profoundly. The consensus seems to be from those who have … More Grief Is Like The Moon
This will be my 5th Valentine’s Day since Claude’s suicide. Claude was not big on what he called “forced” holidays. He would rather spontaneously bring me flowers or something else to show that he loved me “just because.” Since he knew that the holidays were important to me, he did both. I have to say, it … More Soothing Our Broken Hearts On Valentine’s Day
This post has been ruminating in my mind over the past few weeks, waiting to be brought to the surface to explore and share with you. I have touched on this subject before, however it feels important to take a closer look, since I would imagine there are many of you who may find this as … More A New Year: Giving Ourselves Permission To Thrive In The Face Of Grief
In a perfect world, getting this post out sooner would have been my preference but I have been kicking back, laying low, and taking care of myself over the past several weeks since the election. It feels like a much needed respite from the craziness out there in the world. In addition to digesting the … More How We Can Traverse Our Unavoidable Grief During The Holiday Season
Why anger? Is suicide seen as the ultimate form of betrayal? Is it that on the surface it appears that those who committed the act had a choice? I read a blog a few weeks ago in which the blogger’s condemnation of Robins William’s suicide was pretty apparent. My sense is that he is not … More The Intimate Link Between Anger and Suicide
One more year rolls around and I notice that Father’s Day still tugs at my heart. My dad died 12 years ago. It saddens me that I was not able to be there with him when he passed, but thankfully he was not alone, other family members where there including my mom, surrounding him with … More Layers Of Grief On Father’s Day
I am remembering with such sweetness, my wedding day with Claude. Yesterday would have been our 21st wedding anniversary. That day was infused with anticipation, stunning clear blues skies on the coast of Northern CA, the sound of the crashing ocean waves below us as we said our wedding vows surrounded by an intimate group of family and … More Sweet Memories Of Our Wedding Day