Blog
An Eclectic Life
Shifting from “Moving On” to “Moving Forward”
I shifted my thinking from "moving on" to moving forward" somewhere in the midst of living my grief story. It was such a relief to do this. Suddenly I didn't have to forget what happened, I didn't have to forget the person I loved most the world who had died and I...
Tonight’s Gathering Postponed
Due to winter storm weather and continued warnings, tonight's talk at the Toronto Death Cafe has been postponed. Please stay warm and safe. Details on a new date will be forthcoming. Stay well, Heike
Toronto Talks Death (Pt.2)
Join us February 13th as we further explore how to better supporting the grieving. Always thought provoking and lively. The snacks are pretty wonderful too. Thank you to Life Celebrants Linda Stuart and Lisa Myers for making these evenings possible.
Dear Mean Girls (when you’re not mainstream)
Dear Mean Girls, Thank you for making me an outsider. The view from here is so much more spectacular than you will ever be able to imagine. To all the Carlas, Julies and Sues out there, I want to let you know that the kids who...
The Lighting of Three Candles
Special thanks to Linda Stuart, Life Celebrant who recently introduced me to this ritual. Ritual plays an important role in our lives, especially around the holidays. The lighting of three candles is symbolic...
Introducing Holiday Joy to Grief
Recently someone pointed out to me that the holidays can be further complicated when some family members are once again ready for the joy of the holidays and others are not. This is true no matter what holiday is being celebrated. First, I want to say that I don’t...
Welcoming Grief At The Holidays
This lovely picture was taken last Christmas. It was taken at the home of the couple that opened their home to my daughter, her boyfriend, our dog and me the first Christmas after my husband’s death. Are there any other pictures from that Christmas? No. Was the day...
Holidays after loss
Holidays after a major loss are messy. There are so many things to disentangle. Holidays and family gatherings are emotional under the best of circumstances. And a holiday gathering after loss is so far from the best of circumstances that I’m inclined to say it verges...
National Bereavement Day Talk
Dear Friends, On November 21st, National Bereavement Day I invite you to join me at the Toronto Death Cafe to learn more about and share ideas on how we can all better support those who are grieving during the upcoming holidays. This is a free event and sure to be...
Three Truths
Many of us go through our days on autopilot surfacing into a state of consciousness only when something out of the ordinary happens. Sometimes it’s a moment of joy or something amusing that rouses us. Other times it is a crisis or a challenge. But, for the most part...