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
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
Have you been feeling the effects of our global transformation these days? I know I have. I can’t help but think that many of us are feeling grief on some level in the midst of this metamorphosis. The need to feel safe and secure is part of being human. However, we are now living in … More Grief and Our Shattered Sense of Security
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
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
On inauguration day we watched as the 45th president of the United States was being sworn in. Many of us cried, experiencing deep despair, disbelief, fear, anger and yes, grief. We may have been thinking, (and still thinking) “can this really be happening”? Are we living in an alternate or parallel universe? What are we … More The Ride of Our Lives: Parallels Between Grief and Political Change
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
With Independence Day upon us, it feels appropriate to crack the hatch wide open. Giving myself permission and the freedom to start revealing my thoughts and feelings as a suicide survivor and beginning to tell a more detailed account of my story relating to Claude’s death. I see this taking place over several blog posts; … More Claude’s Suicide: Freedom To Speak My Truth