My home is my happy place. The deck, my oasis. This past year has been riddled with challenges. It has been difficult for the entire world. In a variety of ways, for one reason or another, we have all been grieving. There has been a pervasive sense of loss that has blanketed humankind and with […]
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Self-Care During Grief: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
I have always believed myself to be a strong individual. Place a challenge before me and I will rise to the occasion. In fact, if life becomes somewhat predictable or a little too “calm”, I intentionally shake things up – I actively pursue change. The day my mom died, I shattered. My heart. My spirit. […]
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Before and After: Points of Reference for Loss and Grief
I placed my phone on the mango table, cradled the steaming cup of chai, and curled up on the oversized chair. I pulled a silky summer blanket over my legs and breathed in deeply as I took in the beauty of my surroundings. It was early on a summer morning, the house was quiet, and […]
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The Last Time
“I know you’re busy, so we will just drop these things on your porch and be on our way.” These were the words my mom shared with me less than 48 hours before she died. I had been working all morning and was barely hanging onto my sanity as I faced the darkened pit of […]
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Grief, Google, and the Passage of Time
My eyes opened and were enveloped in what seemed to be total darkness. As I waited for them to adjust to the nighttime shadows, I desperately attempted to disentangle myself from the sheets. The luxurious fabric that I so enjoy had become something akin to a straight jacket. Each toss and turn had produced a […]
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Grief, Gratitude, and Growth: Beginning a New Year Without a Loved One
A new year. A new decade. A new chapter. A slight smile develops as I cradle the steaming cup of tea in between my cool hands, briefly close my sleepy eyes, and slowly inhale the comforting aroma. I gently sigh, slowly sip the decadent liquid, and deliberately focus on the beauty in my surroundings. Holiday […]
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A Different Thanksgiving: Life After Loss
As I rounded the corner, it was painfully obvious that the parking lot was full. My plan to beat the holiday rush didn’t seem to be unfolding as I had hoped. I took a deep breath, sighed, and began the requisite circling. I eventually noticed the glowing back-up lights of a gray SUV. I switched […]
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Four Little Words
“Have a nice day.” Four little words. Usually well intended. Sometimes perfunctory. Mostly an offhanded exchange. Words that prompt you to move on with your life so the person saying them can advance to the next person, the next task, or the next issue. Some might say, “they’re only words.” But right now, these four […]
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The Bliss of Walking
One of my favorite pastimes is walking. The goal isn’t to complete a certain number of steps each day. It isn’t to meet the challenge of days spent being physically active. It isn’t even to advance my fitness level (although, that is a bonus). My goal, quite simply, is to connect . . . with […]
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The Year of the Poinsettia
This has unofficially been dubbed the year of the poinsettia. Well, in my mind it has. When I think back to the holiday season of 2018, my memories will be filled with gorgeous splashes of color. These lovely red flowers are brilliant reminders for me to pause, be thankful, and live in the moment. At […]
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