Grief Digest Articles

During the 1950s, a lovely lady named Floss, witnessed a little girl with weight on her shoulders and fingernails bitten to the quick. It was then that I was rescued. Aunt Floss spent quality time teaching alternative ways to express my feelings with infinite compassion.Her most memorable advice was hand written, “Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings. Whether feeling sad, hurt, happy or angry, our emotions need expression. What better way than putting pen to paper?” She handed me a beautiful …

Goodbyes are necessary. How do you tend to say them? What usually comes upon your mind when saying goodbyes? When was the last time you expressed goodbyes, not out of mere habit or formality, but for real?Some years ago, I met a mourner who was pivotally struck with the fragile nature of life. Though the celebratory campaign of "strength," "resilience," and "endurance" of humanity is heavily promoted in society, in the end, each of us has a distinct – and promised – day of death. Strength, resil …

Three Short Case Studies: Thoughts and Input of a Grief Counselor by Michael C. LaFerney Ph.D Case Study One: Dealing With Anger and GuiltA 78 year-old resident of nursing home dies in the hospital 10 days after being diagnosed with Covid19.Her daughter is dealing with several emotions and feelings. First she feels guilt that “I put her in the nursing home- if I would have kept her home she wouldn't have caught the virus and died.” She also feels anger that her mother died without othe …

Social distancing orders may help slow the spread of COVID-19, but these requirements can also leave you feeling lonely and out of touch with the world. If you’re like most people, your favorite activities and hobbies have probably been put on hold due to the virus. Because there’s no telling how long quarantine and social distancing orders may stay in place, it’s helpful to establish a new normal for yourself in order to cope. Below, find out what you can do to maintain routines and feel …

The other day I received an email from a friend on Long Island. She wrote and told me about a nightly symphony she hears when she takes her evening walk at 7:00 pm. Every time it’s performed, it brings tears to her eyes.The music does not continue for as long as a Beethoven, Mozart or Schubert symphony. This orchestra strongly features its percussion section, but not with the rhythmic grace of the snare drummer playing Ravel’s Bolero. However, these percussion musicians are a very valuable part …