Life has a way of leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Things are going along like normal (new normal anyway) and bam! Out of nowhere it hits you. How did this happen? I think it happened when I walked away from the second mess of the day. I say I think because I really can’t remember. My ability to focus on things … Read More
6 Things I’ve Learned About Sibling Grief
There aren’t many resources that exist related to sibling grief. This fact has caused me to begin my own research. Who better to ask than those that have experienced this heartbreak first hand. The forgotten grievers themselves. While each has had their own journey, many themes stand out. I am a big believer in the statement, “You don’t know what … Read More
Siblings Are The Forgotten Grievers
Several times over the last year I have referenced my oldest daughter as the forgotten griever. Lately it’s been in my face. The idea haunts me. It shatters my heart into a million pieces. When a child dies, the focus is always on the parents. Siblings become the forgotten grievers. We overlook the impact. I have learned children don’t grieve … Read More
7 Is Too Young To Die
7 Is Too Young To Die was Originally published at Her View From Home. This was it. The moment I was dreading. The end. As I lay there in his hospital bed, holding him, I focused all of my attention on his chest. As the machine pumped, I could see it rise. Then lower. I tuned into the sound. Blocking … Read More
Closure Doesn’t Exist In Grief
Grief requires closure to move forward. What if closure doesn’t exist? What a novel concept? One I hadn’t even considered until I watched Nancy Berns’ TED Talk titled, “Beyond Closure”. I have said it before and I will say it again. I love TED Talks. Inspiration delivered in 20 minutes or less that changes your entire perception on life. Why should … Read More
21 Things I Learned In Our First Year Of Loss
We have officially survived our first year of loss. I’m not really sure how. It doesn’t seem possible to be standing where we are today. I still wish I would wake up and have it all be a nightmare. Through this journey we have received a lot of advice. Nothing really prepares you. You simply learn to find comfort in … Read More
Why I Share Our Story – My Blogging Mission
People often ask why I share our story. Why I blog. Over the last year that reason has become crystal clear. My mission is defined. Though there are times I question it. Is it too sad? Will people think all I do is grieve? Will people still want to read? My mission is to openly share as much of my … Read More
My Grief Amnesia – It’s Not You, It’s Me.
Grief amnesia. I’m not even sure if it’s a thing. However, it completely matches my reality. This has been a strange week. We are on the cusp of one year. The anticipation of dealing with those moments has me a bit overwhelmed. My mind is mixed between reliving every moment of last year combined with what feels like the first realization … Read More
11 Crazy Things I Do As A Bereaved Mother
Becoming a bereaved mother, my life has changed in ways I never expected. I’m not stating the obvious here. Yes, my life has been turned upside down since my son died. This is more behavior based. It’s quite possible these behaviors I’ve picked up are survival mechanisms. I can tell you I am on the journey of a lifetime related to … Read More
Thank You PBS For Making Me Cry
It’s unexpected. I’m standing at the sink rinsing dishes, loading the dishwasher. There is nothing special about this moment. It’s something I do all the time. My mind is filled with normal thoughts. I need to go out and bring the trash cans back in so we can take out the recycling. Grocery lists. Did I start the crock pot … Read More