The Lighting of Three Candles

Though we may not be able to gather in our usual way this holiday season, it is still important to come together. Ritual is one way to connect with those we love. I hope this post from 2018 inspires you to create your own new ways of staying connected. -From the...

Merry Christmas: Bah Humbug

Merry Christmas: Bah Humbug The holidays are different after loss. It cannot be otherwise. Just as Christmas changed as we grew into adulthood It must also change as we grow into life after loss This takes time Sometimes we yearn for the innocent excitement and joy of...

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 in many ways. Each candle represents a piece of my life and...

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...

A message of hope – Corny but true

A message of hope Facebook isn’t always great. In the last few weeks I have seen “memories” of times I’d forgotten about. I remember well posting those photos during the first few years after Richard passed: sometimes out of a need to document the sadness that masked...