Grief Digest Articles

During more than forty years in the classroom with elementary children and fifteen plus years with children in a grief support program for families, I have seen children’s lives touched with the use of appropriate literature as they struggle with special emotional problems at school and after a death. This article is based on the latter. Journey of Hope Grief Support Center serves all family members. Pre-school and elementary children are with facilitators who are trained to use books for their …

I’ve been away from my home for a few days helping with my sister who has Alzheimer’s. As if grief doesn’t surround my heart enough already, I am now grieving the loss of my sweet sister’s mind, personality, and joy. Prayers are welcome.I have also been hanging out with my mother, 77, who is challenged by painful neuropathy and arthritis. Life can be so cruel – even as it can be beautiful and sometimes even merciful. Tender mercies for all who are suffering this morning.My heart was heavy over t …

Before you read this know that, yes...this is a story of great sadness, grave loss, and paralyzing pain. But it is also a story of hope and growth. It is a story of having faith in the fact that there is something or someone else out there who might know what is best for you, better than you know yourself.I was never a typical girl. I didn't dream of my wedding day, or the man I would marry. I wasn't the girl who couldn't wait to have children of her own running around the house. I didn't have …

For me, 2007 was the year of death. That year four family members died, my daughter (mother of my twin grandchildren), father-in-law, brother, and the twins’ father. How would I survive multiple losses? Would I survive? Questions like these led to an ongoing study of grief.I visited online support communities, read online articles, and countless grief books. The Courage to Grieve, by Judy Tatelbaum was especially helpful. When I finished the book I felt like she had written it just for me. Tatel …

A MemoirMy grandfather, Opa, wasn’t a demonstrative person. It was as if he spoke with his eyes. If you did something wrong, don’t think he wouldn’t know. He could stop you in your tracks with just one look. His eyes told you “That’s enough!” he didn’t have to say it. If you intended to do business with him and he shook your hand, it was as good as any binding contract. There never was a need for long drawn out written documents.When he shook your hand, you had to know how to let your fingers …