For some people, Mother’s Day can be painful…a reminder of loss…a time of grieving for being motherless…a holiday some choose to ignore because it is wrapped with sadness. For others it has grown into a time of reflection and of honoring or celebrating a life that was lived…by baking a special recipe (as I did, […]

It is with such deep sadness that I write this post. Today a local teen has passed away from a car accident and his two friends, also in the accident, are in critical condition. And for them, grad was only a few months away. I am a mother of two teens…and this tragedy has struck […]

July is bereaved parents awareness month—a time when the spotlight is on us to reach out to bereaved parents and their families. We are encouraged to listen to them without advising them…to offer a shoulder to cry on…to give a hug when appropriate and needed…to be there for the bereaved.  Bereaved parents are often trapped […]

In the course I recently completed (supporting individuals living with complex care needs), a point was brought up…most of the studies and models (and the resulting stages of grief and mourning) were done with people nearing the end of their life. What about those who die young, or unexpectedly or have pre-existing mental illness or […]

It’s the eyes—that look…of such sorrow…and emptiness…and shock…mixed with exhaustion. Such pain. It’s hard to see you hurting so much. I want to wrap you in a blanket of warmth and safety and tell you it’s going to be OK…but I know that’s not true right now. I feel so helpless. All I can do […]

“I was sorry to hear the bad news.” “You’ve been through a lot.” “How are you doing?” “Tell me more about it.” “I care.” “If you ever need to talk, I’m available.” Be there. There is nothing more valuable than someone by your side when you are struggling with the shock of loss. Avoid giving […]

Losing your second parent can stir up feelings of abandonment—that you’re all alone in the world. “Orphaned adults” we are called…even if our parents lived a long life…and it was an expected death associated with “old age”. Yes, it may have been expected…but with it there is soul searching…and a feeling of being without a […]

Mom, a constant in my life, was with me when I drew my first breath…and I had the honor of being with her when she took her last. I miss you terribly Mom. Melanie Hack Author of Who Killed My Sister, My Friend Read an excerpt now TV Shows and Clips about the Death of […]

When your mother dies, it can be a life-changing time. And when you grieve, you honor the deep, mysterious bond of child to mother. And if you are a daughter, it can lead to personal change in many areas your life because of the emotions that death triggers, and the complexity of the mother/daughter bond…no […]

Today is the 10th anniversary of Sept 11th. For some, having a memorial can make this a day of comfort…a day of healing—grief becomes a community event that generates strength. For others it will be a day of pain…as memories, loaded with heavy emotions of losing a family member or friend, are placed directly in […]