Grieving While Estranged
“It’s simply not true that blood is the ultimate bond; some families have become so damaged by trauma that time together is harmful for all involved.” Those who have experienced lifelong estrangements know there is no “Hollywood ending”; fractured relationships can’t be magically “fixed” at the end of life. But there can be profound […]
I’ll Always Love You By Hans Wilhelm
Our animal companions are important parts of our lives and their death is a difficult, life changing event. I’ll Always Love You is a gentle and moving story about losing an animal friend, and the importance of always expressing your love. This tender story is a perfect way to make the topic of loss a […]
Messages on the Wind
It started with Itaru Sasaki in Otsuchi, Japan. Devastated by the loss of his cousin and a strong desire to talk with him once again, a thought stirred in his mind. Just pick up the phone. Symbolically, Saski constructed a telephone booth in his garden. The phone booth housed a disconnected rotary phone that is […]
It’s OK That You’re Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand
In It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Megan Devine offers a profound new approach to both the experience of grief and the way we try to help others who have endured tragedy. Having experienced grief from both sides―as both a therapist and as a woman who witnessed the accidental drowning of her beloved partner―Megan writes with deep […]
A Peaceful Piggy’s Guide to Sickness and Death Sadness and Love
Experiencing a loved one’s illness or death is challenging for both children and their grownups. With three distinct sections to choose from—when someone we love is sick, dying, or has died—this guide will help you easily find soothing and practical mindfulness activities focused on what your young one needs in order to guide them through […]
When Ignoring the Holidays Is Not an Option
As the Holidays approach, excitement and anticipation come with it. But not for everyone. For those grieving it can come with dread and sadness. So many times we hear “it’s okay to ignore the Holidays” and while that is certainly true, not everyone can allow the days to pass without acknowledgement. For some, there are […]
How to Be Helpful When Someone Dies (Besides Bringing Food)
When we hear that someone has died, we think of ways to help and one of those things is to drop off food at the home of the grieving family. The idea is to nourish the mourners to whom the last thing they are thinking of is food. But also knowing that many people are dropping by and rather than burden the […]
Giving Space to Grief
In Ghana, Funerals Are A Party.
But My Dad’s Couldn’t Hold My Grief.
Lessons from an Unexpected Widower
Everyone’s grief journey is different.
The world can certainly do with a little more kindness
“Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things, feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth.” —Naomi Shihab Nye