I am writing this on one of the many days etched deeply into my heart, mind, and soul. If you are from the southeastern United States, you will remember this as the day Hurricane Helene slammed our forests, neighborhoods, and ...
In fall, nature transforms with vibrant beauty—leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, then gently fall, making way for new growth. The air grows crisp, and days shorten, signaling a season of change. Fall’s transformation can be a picture ...
My reflections today: 10 people could tell me I am doing a good job and that they are proud of my single mothering and widowing, but those 10 never come close to filling that longing in my heart to hear ...
Grief waves sure are tricky little suckers. They really can sneak up on you out of the blue, sometimes out of absolutely nowhere. It's been a while since one has taken me out at the knees, but I don't expect ...
Permanent scarring of the skin. Telling stories of past experiences. Reading mottos, verses, and lyrics that touch our heart deeply. We become walking talking historical monuments of our own narrative. When grief strikes our lives, it can have the same ...
Overcoming the struggles and turmoil this human existence can bring is something every widow, indeed every person, must contend with. When we had our husband to stand beside us and help us strategize and think through all the levels and ...
Feelings about "suicide awareness" and "suicide prevention" are generally mixed. Some support the movement wholeheartedly, while others think it's a joke. When I've spoken about suicide awareness/prevention in the past, at least half of the comments received will be about ...
In the early months and years, I found myself spinning around in a whirlpool of anxiety, fear, sorrow, and depression. In a word, grief. Some days I felt okay, like “I’ve finally got this.” I enjoyed time with friends and ...
Your birthday was 3 days ago. You’d be 42 years old now. Instead, you’re forever 40. September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. I know I talked about it last year. But I am reiterating my point because I ...
Riley, Lizzy, Ashley, Sonney, and JD on a camping trip at Sue-meg State Park. Photo Credit: Penelope Ray, 2008 It was 2008 when we found them. JD and I were particularly broke that year after losing our home in the ...