Words for the Journey

A digital monument for all lost friends in which you can take part by sending in a photograph of the friend you lost and would like to honor.Together with the band The Netz we (The Melodies From The Heart Foundation) recorded a new song. In the song the band sings about the smile and beautiful memories of a lost friend.

  

 

Mother's Day means different things to different people.  To me, it's bitter-sweet.  Each year my young children (now 7 and 4) have different emotions as all of their friends celebrate with their mothers.  That raises lots of feelings in me that I haven't completely processed.  On the other hand I celebrate the wonderful mother I have who is alive, in good health, and a trem

My dad died suddenly during Spring Break of my sophomore year of high school. When we arrived for the funeral, the sidewalks on both sides of the funeral home were packed with dozens of my friends. I locked eyes with many of them on the way in. A hand slipped into mine. An arm went around my shoulder. 

It is sixteen (16) months today. That comes as a shock to the heart. I still have moments where it slams into me that Tim is truly gone. While our brains know this, our hearts do not accept it. We have carried on, month after month, learning a new life, accepting that our loved one is gone, trying to get past grief and sorrow.

It was the Kool-Aid Koolers. I am pretty sure they have been lurking in the juice aisle for years,but my VERY frequent grocery store trips don't take me to that aisle. I go frequently because I simply canNOT stand the grocery store since we lost Keith 9 years ago and i make brief,frequent trips and spend way too much money just grabbing stuff.

I give workshops about anticipatory grief and creating a happy life after loss. Last evening I gave caregiving workshop about compassion fatigue. My workshops always include participation activities. Last evening I asked attendees to think of some happy events in their lives. I passed out sticky notes and asked people to jot down a happy experience.

There is no thought I have without youSince you have Grown your Angel WingsI feel your spirit all round meA light in my soul your love bringsFor you I keep within my heartThe memories you have left behindYour life has blessed my path with loveOur Souls are one, they’re intertwinedI see the signs you send from Heaven

 In the backs of our minds, most of us realize that the unthinkable can happen. For me, that was the loss of her son Charlie, 23, who died of pneumonia.

“Being a parent isn’t an easy job – not just because it’s a 24/7, lifelong commitment, but also because we cannot bear to see our children hurt,” what’s even worst is saying goodbye to your child. I did so with my son Charlie, 23, to pneumonia in 2009.