Grief Digest Articles

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 …

By Paulina Rael Jaramillo, M.A.Children have a built-in tendency to sense when something is wrong. Letting them know (in age appropriate terms) when a close family member is seriously ill or has died, is much better than withholding information and speaking in hushed voices. Keeping children “in the dark” creates and air of mystery and impending doom. They have vivid imaginations and tend to put the worst possible interpretations on things they don’t understand, especially when adults are being …

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 …