Grief Digest Articles

“I want to go see Grandpa.” Our five year old son, Bryce pleaded.“I know that we just saw Grandpa two days ago, but things have changed. Grandpa is not able to talk to you. He is hooked to machines and his eyes are closed. I want you to remember him as he was when he was up and joking with you at the hospital, like he was on Saturday,” his father and I explained.“I want to see him now.” Bryce said adamantly.“Do you understand that Grandpa can’t answer you?” I asked.“Yes, I still want to see him! …

When life is easy and carefree we seldom struggle with its great questions. . .questions like:• How did humanity come into being?• How can every person be a unique creation?• What are we called to do with our lives?• What is the nature of our relationship to others?• Is there a God and, if so, what role does God play in our lives?• Is there life beyond death?But when we are faced with a crisis, such as the death of a loved one, we can be overwhelmed by these questions. We seek answers where befo …

The title of this article by Paula Stephens “What I Wish More People Understood About Losing a Child” quickly caught my attention on my friend, Lisa Payne’s Facebook page the other day. With the article, Lisa posted “I haven’t lost a child. I know people who have…While I felt the article was well-written and insightful, I do not know if it accurately depicts the feelings of those who have suffered this type of loss…” in preparation for her Pastoral Care final.Unfortunately, I know this type of l …

Life is something that is very precious, because longevity is not granted to everyone. The only thing in life that is promised to us is death. It is reasonable to say that most people tend to believe that tomorrow is a promised day, but in reality it really isn’t true. We all experience different phases in life such as pain, sorrow, joy, passion, and prosperity. But these phases in our lives changes as our situations change.I remember a conversation I had with a friend of mine before she passed …

Introduction:A year ago in January of 2016, grief came knocking at my front door and let itself in without invitation, want, or welcome. My brother, only one year older than myself and my only sibling, died on January 18, 2016 from a blood clot that broke off into his blood stream and went to his brain. His death was instantaneous, and my life was instantly changed in that moment.2016 was a year of trying to navigate the dark, murky, often directionless land of grief. As a Psychologist, intuitiv …