Grief Hunger

Grief Hunger

We planned for up to 15 people to attend the weekend grief seminar at the church. With a couple of weeks to go, the minister called to tell me fifty had registered. They all showed up, participated and expressed gratitude for the chance to be a part of our time...
Talking in Metaphors When the Lights Go Out

Talking in Metaphors When the Lights Go Out

When the lights go out, what happens? That’s the big mystery.  Some say you cease to exist or at least with no further evidence, you stop being you. Others speak poetically about “crossing over” or “going through the doorway.”  Who knows since no one has crossed over...
Caring for Canines and Creation

Caring for Canines and Creation

People often refer to someone being “at that age” in reference to life stages. After my friends and I graduated from college, we were “at that age” when peers started to marry. Then we found ourselves “at that age” when friends began to have and adopt children. Now we...
All Losses Matter

All Losses Matter

As you get in line for the amusement park ride, there’s a sign. It may be a cutout yardstick, but just as often, it’s a child or animal (depending on the park) holding out a hand: “You must be this tall to ride this ride.” I’ve felt that way through the years as I’ve...
Losing a Loved One to Suicide

Losing a Loved One to Suicide

The New York Times columnist David Brooks recently wrote an article about a lifelong friend who died by suicide. In describing his friend and his descent into a suicidal illness, Brooks sheds some needed light on how we still have a long way to go in our understanding...