Writing about loss and grief requires effort and it's worth the effort. When I was autographing books at a national conference, a woman told me she had started writing about grief and stopped. "I kept writing the same thing," she explained. Whether you keep a diary, journal, write stories or books, you need to keep writing. Exressing your grief with words documents a time in your personal history. It is also part of your family history, a special, emotional, important document. You have a story to tell.
In the Company of Bereaved Parents
Last weekend I autographed books at The Compassionate Friends national conference in Bloomington, MN. About 1,500 bereaved parents were there and all had a story to tell. I asked parents about their deceased children and listened to stories that were so sad all I could say was "I'm sorry." Still, I think bereaved parents benefit from sharing and knowing they are not alone. I was blessed to meet these parents and spend some time, however fleeting, with them.
The Grief of Relocation
I've become more aware of the grief associated with relocating to assisted living or a nursing home. Friends of mine are planning to move to assisted living next year. "We can only bring one sixth of our things," the husband shared. When older adults are forced to move due to age or health problems, they must part with possessions, leave their home and neighborhood. These losses are upsetting to say the least. Family members can help with planning, contacting the mover, packing, and setting up their loved one's new place.
Caring for Yourself While Grieving
Though you know how, it can be hard to care for yourself while you're grieving. There are so many things to do and so many feelings to process. Self-care was especially hard for me because I was caring for my twin grandchildren. My solutions: Stick to a routine, be kind to myself, and do what I love to do. I got up at 5 a.m. to write and I'm glad I did. How are you taking care of yourself?
Surviving the Death of a Child
After a child dies we may feel like we have died ourselves. From my experience, I think parents have two basic choices, to exist (and merely survive), or to create new and meaningful lives. I opted for the second choice and am glad I did. Though my life isn't what I thought it would be at this age, it is exciting, rewarding, and happy. Do you have suggestions for surviving the death of a child? If so, please take a moment and share them.
Grief Recovery: True Stories of Healing
The Open to Hope Foundation just published "Open to Hope: Inspirational Stories of Healing After Loss" and I'm honored to have a story in it. This resouce may be helpful if you're mired in grief and recovery is eluding you. My story, "Belly Laughs and Creme Brule," is a story about recoery and finding happiness again.Harriet
When Grief is Sneaky
Four years have passed since my daughter died from the injuries she received in a car crash. Yet I can still be caught off guard. A memory comes to mind, or I think of something my daugter said, or I see the gifts she made for me. Grief is sneaky and it can still sneak up on me. Does it sneak up on you?
Affirmation-Writing Heps me Cope with Multiple Losses
In 2007, after four family members died, I started writing affirmations. My first affirmation: I will get through this. I still write affirmations and they help me in two ways. First, they switch my mind from negative to positive thinking. Second, they help me see the blessings in my life. If you've never written affirmations, I hope you will give this coping tip a try.
Should a Grief Resource Contain Humor?
Happy Again, my 30th book, is in production now. I included some funny stories because I think grieving people need to laugh at this challenging time of life. One smile can lift your spirits for hours.
My 30th Book
I am jumping up and down in the kitchen. Just sold my 30th book to Centering Corporation. It is called Happy Again!