In these months since Jim’s death, I’ve come to view grief as a thief. I know grief is a necessary part of moving beyond loss, but without placing boundaries on grief, it runs rampant, unbridled and all-consuming. Following are reflections on the thievery of grief: Regret Everyone has regrets in grief. Less than an hour […]
Detangling Emotions
Last week, I had several nights of dreams about Jim. As dreams often are, they were jumbled, confusing, and somewhat nonsensical. In part of the dream, Jim was alive, but later not. We were conversing, yet he said he couldn’t hear me when I asked if he could. Waking from those types of dreams leaves […]
The Healing Power of Nature
Spring came early this year, and I am glad. I needed the return of color to brighten the solemnness of loss. Following are observations on the healing power of nature: Light One of the joys of spring is the change in light and the return of warmth. Although there are days when winter’s chill lingers, […]
Finding Refreshment in a Frenzied World
Do you remember crowded stands at ballfields where a snack and drink were referred to as “refreshments”? In our fast-paced, frenetic world, aren’t we all in need of a little refreshment? Refreshment is defined as the act of refreshing; the state of being refreshed. This week, our family is enjoying a time of refreshing, togetherness, […]
5 Life Directives Inspired by Rain
As a child, I remember a summer when rain was an everyday occurrence. We had a new swimming pool and I longed for sunny days and warm temperatures. But each morning, I woke to the sounds of rain pelting the roof and filling the gutters. Not only did the rain continue day after day, but […]