Grief Digest Articles

My husband Eric was intensely fond of quail. His tattered copy of Margaret Stanger’s book That Quail, Robert sits on my shelf. Having spent many summers on Cape Cod, he was familiar with the northern bobwhite, the subject of the book. The male has a bright white and black head pattern which differs from its cousin the Gambel’s quail—a slightly smaller bird with a flurry of black feathers atop its gray, chestnut, and cream colored body. Eric’s delight at seeing a Gambel’s quail for the first time …

By Elaine E. Stillwell, M.A., M.S.Getting Back to Work is a tough transition for many parents following the death of their child. Worried about feeling strong enough, being able to concentrate, controlling crying, talking to people, leaving the safe haven of home, along with not wanting to lose their job or a paycheck, are all weighty factors these heartbroken parents must consider as they decide when to return to work, which involves reentering an accustomed social environment as a changed pers …

Thirty years ago, July 12, 1986, a young 29 year old New York City cop, Steven McDonald, was shot and wounded by a troubled teenager while on duty in Central Park, becoming paralyzed from the neck down, and defying medical predictions that he would survive. Instantly, the life of this man, his bride of a year, and the baby they were expecting, were all changed forever.Since Steven McDonald grew up in my hometown, lived within 3 miles of my home and worshipped at my parish church, his story deepl …

Hello BeautifulAfter a yearlong battle with Cholangocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer, Julie, my beautiful wife of 25 years died. We knew from the first diagnosis that it was terminal, one to three years at best. The first round of chemo was every promising, but things soon took a turn for the worst. At our last doctors visit we were told there was no farther treatment, the chemo that had worked so well was now ineffective. I cried every day, prayed every day, and provided the best care for …

Why do flowers grow?Don’t they know?That with the winter snowThey will go.Why do trees stand tall?Above us allWith coming of the fallThey’ll hear the callWhy would birds want to sing?AnythingThe new day may not bringA song to singWhy does the snow fall down?To the groundDressing farm and townIn velvet gownWhy is this world so cold?And very oldA beauty to beholdOr so I’m toldWhy do people die?We’re left to cryWe say our last goodbyeAnd want to dieWould stars shine if they knew?Or had a clueThat o …