Gratitude

Tools for finding hope along the journey: Gratitude
There is something that feels so wrong about being asked to find something to be grateful for when we are grieving. Every fiber of our being wants to scream that there is nothing to be thankful for today or ever. Our lives have been shattered by death…what gratitude could there be? The truth is today and every day there are things to be grateful ...for and when we can begin to recognize them it helps us heal. It might be the years we had together, our family and friends, a memory shared, a hug or a smile. Recognizing gratitude will not take away the pain of missing them but it can remind us that there is still good in the world. What are you thankful for today?
Artwork by Tanya Lord
About the Artist

Tanya Lord was a special education teacher when Noah died. After his death she read The Institute of Medicine’s report To Err Is Human and realized that the errors responsible for her son’s death were not unique. This created a desire and determination to better understand and work towards improving health care. Currently she has completed a master’s degree in public health and a PhD in clinical and population health research and is completing a post-doctoral fellowship. Lord shares her personal and professional experiences in presentations and workshops for medical staff and students focusing on the importance of effective communication with patients before and after an error. She also is a co-founder of The Grief Toolbox (www.thegrieftoolbox.com), which offers tools to help those along the grief journey. Lord may be contacted at [email protected]