What matters is not what life does to you but rather what you do with what life does to you. ~ Edgar Jackson Death is a choiceness event. Death happens to those we love and we have no choice about how or when. The result, however, is an often overwhelming feeling of helplessness. Nothing feels … Read More
“Loss has taught me that the death of a spouse or partner affects every aspect of the day.” — Barbara R. Wheeler, DSW Barbara R. Wheeler, the author of this slim volume (so slim, I struggled to find it in the library’s hold section) spent her career teaching future clinical social workers. As a therapist … Read More
“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” — Sue Monk Kidd One of my favourite phrases is Shakespeare’s “Give Sorrow Words”. Without words, heart ache is just that — ache, physical pain. But when we speak or write, we breath life into … Read More
Amy flinched at Carrie’s facial expression as Carrie walked toward her. One more friend. One more awkward exchange. One more “How are you doing?” or some other such question. If you’ve followed this blog or read anything in the area of grief and grieving you know that the grieving process is often referred to as … Read More
“We don’t do grief. Yet grief still does us.” (About Grief, Marasco & Shuff, 2010) As in my previous post on eulogies, this reflection was inspired by a book currently on my desk. I’m taking a break from my day-to-day work and for 4 weeks, living in a different city with —to my delight — … Read More
“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.” – William Shakespeare (Macbeth) I once purchased a book with the title Give Sorrow Words having no idea that this phrase was quoting Shakespeare. I guess I missed that in Macbeth. The phrase, however, is wise counsel. … Read More
