Just Playing House

Finding The Steps That Moved Me Forward

Emily Graham — Thu, 16 May 2019 13:17:22 +0000

For many bereaved parents, keeping our children’s memory alive is key to our survival. Sometimes that means talking about them and posting pictures. It can also mean launching a foundation and writing children’s books, which is exactly what Elizabeth did. Please help me welcome Elizabeth as she shares her turning point in grief. Sharing our loss experiences can have such ... Read More

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What Jackson Pollock Taught Me About Grief and Life

Emily Graham — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 13:40:51 +0000

Sharing our loss experiences can have such a profound impact. You never know when the one seemingly small thing you have to share is exactly what someone else out there needs to hear. Heal a Grieving Heart was born from this idea. It provides a platform for other grieving parents to share their stories, connect, and help others. Please help me ... Read More

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Hope In The Form Of My Dead Son’s Shadow

Emily Graham — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 15:30:45 +0000

From the corner of my eye, a shadow of movement streaked across the balcony. I looked up, half expecting to see one of my kids playing, but the balcony was empty. No one there. I turned my attention back to the sink full of dirty dishes and continued scrubbing. A few moments passed. There it was again! My eyes averted ... Read More

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Everyone Arguing Over What’s Harder 2 or 3 Kids…They Are All Wrong!

Emily Graham — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 17:24:44 +0000

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcome their third child, my news feed erupts in royal baby fever. A new heir to the throne. Royal traditions requiring mothers to push a baby from their body then stand in front of the world immediately after as if nothing happened. Quickly the conversation turns to their transition to raising three children. ... Read More

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Moving On… If There Is Such A Thing

Emily Graham — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 20:16:24 +0000

I just don’t know how to move on now. It’s a phrase I often hear when I meet others who have lost a loved one. Sometimes it’s only been a short time. Other times, it’s been more years than they care to admit. Still looking for their way. To be honest, it scares me a little. There is this idea ... Read More

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When Did Grief Become All About Searching for Rainbows and Butterflies?

Emily Graham — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 23:07:51 +0000

After my son died, I began to search for child loss blogs to read. Shattered beyond repair, I needed to know I wasn’t alone in the overwhelming things I thought and felt. Everything I found was related to miscarriage and baby loss. While it was nice to know I wasn’t alone, the words didn’t necessarily resonate for me. My son ... Read More

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New Normal Has New Rules

Emily Graham — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 20:45:40 +0000

Society has always been in the driver seat when it came to making decisions in my life. Growing up you don’t cry, whine, and misbehave. After all, it’s not acceptable behavior. You go to school and get good grades. College is next on the list, and you must choose something sensible to study. Living on my own should have been ... Read More

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A Fever Is Not Just A Fever When You Lose A Child

Emily Graham — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:17:32 +0000

Caring for sick kids is par for the course when you’re a parent. Until you’ve lost a child. Where calm and logic once prevailed, crazy creeps in. I’m never sure people understand when I say I am different. Reactions, thoughts, perceptions all shift. Like how we handle sick kids. A fever is not just a fever. It’s the beginning of ... Read More

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When Others Remember – Grief At The Holidays

Emily Graham — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 05:29:11 +0000

It is no secret the holidays are harder after the loss of a loved one, especially a child. The hole left by their absence gapes wide open. Traditions can feel heavy. A holiday that once brought excitement and joy, feels like a chore to trudge through. This is a special time of year for family and friends to draw close. ... Read More

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She Said “I Tried To Kill Myself Tonight” – I Wasn’t Ready

Emily Graham — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 17:09:23 +0000

She said, “Tonight, I tried to kill myself. I had everything ready to go, but I couldn’t go through with it. I just want this pain to end.” A post inside a Facebook grief support group for bereaved mothers. A woman desperately pleading for help to a “room” full of strangers. I couldn’t just scroll by. I felt compelled to respond ... Read More

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