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How do you cope with the loss of a loved one? We all cope in different ways because we are all individuals with our individual experiences.

We looked at the difference between a codependent and a co-empowered relationship and began looking at how this can relate to our grieving process. Now I would like to continue with that theme. If we are able to come to a place of seeing the lost child not as a codependent child, but as a co-empowered spirit, as a being who had their own life to live, then we can begin the process of understanding that whilst we had a duty of care for the child, we were actually nurturing a spiritual being who had their own journey to follow and complete.

It was one of those new fancy cell phones and I had been holding it in my hands all day for fear of missing her call. You see, there is a new person in my life and I have grown very fond of her, even though we've know each other only for a very short while. She was on vacation in France and I was attending a seminar in Montreal (Canada). In order not to disturb the speaker and the other participants, I had silenced the ringer and set the phone on vibrate only.

Offering condolences can be awkward no matter which side of the gesture you're on. Friends and family may struggle to find the right words while the bereaved may feel like no one really understands what they're going through. Unfortunately, there is no right way to make that process easier, but sympathy gifts can be a step in the right direction.

Sympathy gifts may sound like an unusual idea. For most people, their first inclination is to back away from someone who is grieving, reasoning that they need their space or just finding themselves unsure of exactly what to do or say. It's a natural reaction, but it is possible to reach out and offer support with a thoughtful and touching gift.

Imagine the 42-year-old who's the successful executive, with wife and two young children, and a lovely home. He's got it all. Except, that is, his health. He has the early stages of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He must now prepare for an early exit; to leave his life far too early.

By Mary Jane Hurley Brant