Experiencing Grief – How to Help Yourself and Others

I come from a family where strength is the norm. If something needs to be done, one doesn't let feelings or emotions get in the way. My Papaw's favorite line when any of us started crying was "dry it up!" They're the folks who sing at funerals; the folks who put duty and responsibility and doing for others and yes, attending church, before mental health. Even my husband is super strong. On days like today, I'm left with a sense of shame that I can't live up to this standard.

Mother’s Day Thoughts

I'm a member of a Club I never wanted to join. It's a Club where you aren't the apple of anyone's eye; a Club where you are often empty, in spite of all the bits and pieces well meaning folks offer to fill the void. A Club where the number of photos is finite and you worry about the day you won't have any new ones to share.

A Tribute to Mama

Here are some things at a year and a half: 1. I worry about running out of photos, but I will keep sharing the same ones...

An Open Letter: Life After Mom

A small tumble of fall leaves had been picked up by the wind and they were dancing, gaily dancing. Those long-fallen symbols of an autumn, gone but not forgotten, glinting in the almost-spring sun, swirled and twisted in celebration of the first beautiful day in a while. Sometimes God sends a reminder...

Pet Therapy

"Perhaps the greatest gift an animal has to offer is a permanent reminder of who we really are." My week has been filled with coffee and dogs, guys. With this cold snap, Ellie had some doggie friends visit her for a sleepover. Her best friend, Bo the Poodle, was a perfect gentleman during his overnight…

Pearls and Parachutes

"I have woven a parachute out of everything broken." ~ William Stafford  What did you come through in 2018? For me, it was months of grief after losing my Mom to complications associated with lung cancer in October of 2017. Whether you lost a loved one, a spouse or relationship, a group of friends, or even a beloved pet, any form of loss is traumatic and…

Meet Ellie

Ellie and I went for a walk today and...

Peace and Coffee – 2019 Energy

2018 was my first full year without Mom - without her presence, her voice, and her gentle reminders; much of what I learned still stems from her example - she was my role model for how to overcome mental anguish (anxiety and nerve problems, anyone?) and to live a life where peace is possible in…

On Grief

Notes for Mom I can’t explain grief. Where are the words? Is it the aftermath? Is it the absence? Maybe it’s making it through that first day back to work. Maybe it’s signing that sick form “my mom died.” Maybe it’s getting in the car only to realize your weekend plans don’t include a visit…