Last week I examined a short story by O. Henry, and this week, I’m looking at a story by a famous recipient of the O. Henry Award: Alice Munro. “Gravel” is a tale told from the perspective of a narrator … Continue reading →
At first glance, Stephanie Madoff’s Mack’s The End of Normal grabs our attention solely because she’s the wife of one of Bernie Madoff’s two sons, Mark. But the real value of the book is the experience she shares of her pain … Continue reading →
This is the story of Nancy, as told by Dana Sitar. All I remember is what I’ve been told. Sometimes I think I have memories, but I’m pretty sure it’s just the stories people have shared with me over the … Continue reading →
Japanese installation artist Motoi Yamamoto was born in Onomichi, Hiroshima, and worked in a dockyard before studying at Kanazawa College of Art. He now lives in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. After his sister’s death to brain cancer over a decade ago, … Continue reading →
Particularly pertaining to experiences of grief and adjustment, the need to escape the heightened rollercoaster emotions every now and again is real. Grief, being a process with no certain path or endpoint, needs such a relief valve - to take a necessary rest from the unsustainable burden.
They Walk Among Us I had a unique experience last week while I was at work that took me a little off guard. To give you some background leading up to this experience, it started the Friday before New Year’s weekend and I was on the phone with someone (Mark) I had never spoken to [...]
Life wasn't meant to be easy and it sure isn't at times. Smooth sailing, piece of cake...I don't think so. Ask anyone who is grieving how life is and they'll soon tell you!
Life presents us with many challenges. Over time we may realise that we aren't living the life we would really like to live and at times we may feel we could change the whole thing in its entirety. It's at this point that we may question 'How can I change my life?'. When a major event such as the loss of a child happens, then the desire to be able to go back in time and change the course of events is huge. And at the same time we know that this isn't possible. Events have happened and there is only now - time cannot run backwards.
Despite the similarities in the grief process, each person's grief is unique. The differences stem from your relationship with the deceased, coping skills, support system, and grief history. Your bereavement progresses at its own pace and you will know when it is time to mend your heart.
