To my dear family and friends, Thank-you for all the love and blessings you’ve sent my way since my death. You see…I’ve received them all! For I am with you still. It’s such a special feeling to know I have loved ones as wonderful as you. So on this special day—on this very special day—I […]

When we are grieving, Valentine’s Day can be a reminder that our loved one is absent. If this is your first holiday since your loved one passed away, acknowledge in advance how difficult it is going to be. (Even if your partner or beloved died a long time ago, Valentine’s Day can still be difficult!) […]

When my oldest sister, Cindy James, died, it was beyond my comprehension as to how I could possibly imagine living my life with her not in it. How was I supposed to get through any of the holidays or special days when they all brought back reminders of her absence? Yes, even Valentine’s Day…I would […]

OK folks, it’s time for cozy winter evenings—snuggling up on sofas, with warm, fragrant drinks that fill you with good thoughts and cheer. Use this recipe to keep that holiday feeling for a while, or use it tonight as you ring in the New Year. You’ll need: · A litre of apple juice · A […]

I fondly remember the Christmas’s that my children strung together plain popcorn and fresh cranberries into long, colorful swags to hang on the tree, along the mantelpiece, or in the windows. After the holidays we hung the strings outside for the birds to enjoy. And we’ve turned many an old holiday card into gift tags, […]

  When death must come at Christmastime, There is a special grief, A mourning that must mix with joy, A pain that must be brief. There is an anguish underneath The labyrinth of light That longs for simple emptiness To contemplate the night. But life must bubble on its way And pleasure be put on, […]

A compliment. Silence. A laugh. A walk, either in the crisp snow or rain. Make a snow angel. Surprise someone. Leave a quarter (or more) where someone will find it. Help someone who’s stuck in the snow. Watch the sunset or sunrise. Hide a love note for a loved one to find. Look at old […]

Let’s build up your inner spirit and give you strength for the holidays! Try praising yourself as much as you can instead of criticizing yourself—tell yourself how well you are doing with every tiny thing. Look in the mirror…look into your eyes and forgive yourself—you are doing the best you can. Don’t hate yourself for […]

Today I was watching the TV’s listings channel and looking for the news stations. Suddenly I heard the familiar pan-flute music of the Romanian artist Gheorghe Zamfir. I was riveted. It’s been forever since I’ve heard his precious melodies! Years ago, as I had watched the guests filing out of the chapel and walking past […]