Blog
In a blog about remembering, stories from a morning I’ll never forget
I stumbled through my little speech with long pauses. But I had two stories I wanted to tell.
I hear what they say, but here’s how I’m trying to handle my grief
Amid so much good advice and so many encouraging comments, my path through grief is unique to me.
Learning to pursue a practice I’ve been talking about for years
I’ve been writing about lament and talking about lament, and then a friend sent me a prayer of lament she wrote on my behalf. And I realized I’m still learning about a practice I too long had overlooked.
‘Three things’ from Ken Burns will help me navigate the holidays
Ken Burns hasn’t been speaking about caregivers or grief when he’s suggested “three things” to help someone cope. But I find his simple truths particularly relevant for my situation.
When someone close loses someone close, here’s what I hope I’ll do
I’m grieving, for sure. But I hope I’m also learning how to be a blessing.
You say I seem to be doing well. I really hope you’re right
I’m alone in a way I haven’t experienced for many decades. I am getting used to it. Slowly.
Three days from the last 16: Shock, grief . . . comfort and gratitude
These moments stand strong in my memory of two weeks unlike any other I’ve experienced.
A new experience. But with the deep grief comes unequaled gratitude
I’ve never experienced such grief, or such profound reasons to be grateful.
What we expected sometime. And what we didn’t expect this week
We knew Evelyn would leave us. We had no idea it would be so soon.
The damnable dilemma of accepting a difficult reality: ‘Never’
She will never need to wear that coat again.
Never. It’s difficult for me to say that out loud.
I’m still surprised by grief, and I’m still surprised that’s true
I’m alone in a way that will never be remedied. And I’m still coming to terms with that.
A caregiver’s plea for help: ‘I feel bad about feeling bad!’
A reader asked for advice, and even though this is not an advice-giving blog, his question reminded me of some experiences that may help him.
A new reader prompted reflection on where I am in this journey
His email reminded me of fears and frustrations I encountered when I was where he is today. It’s good for me to think about how I’m doing now compared to then.
Out of the house, out of ourselves, receiving as much as we gave
We discovered new meaning in advice we’ve heard for years: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Meditation on a snowy morning: Coziness brings some comfort
Was I anticipating coziness in an effort to experience what Evelyn and I enjoyed when she was here?
Grief. Guilt. Mourning. I’m showing the symptoms, and that’s OK
I needed a friend to help me cope with my guilt about what I was feeling.
A challenge for readers: Choose a word to describe my weekend
Two sets of experiences, two adjectives, and one helpful conclusion.
Embracing Lament: We can be sure Jesus understands how we feel
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" What we have experienced, Jesus has said.
Embracing Lament: God’s still there, no matter how long we’re waiting
We may pray with the psalmist, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?" And we may find from the psalmist a pathway to hope.
Good grief: A weekend with lifetime friends yields a new definition
It is possible to experience happiness and grief at the same time. A weekend with lifetime friends proved it.