Working Through Grief

The Heart Behind Gilligan’s Island

July 20th, 2011
Posted By:

The cast of Gilligan’s Island

A good and very funny friend of mine, Annie Howell, loves, loves everything about Gilligan’s Island.

She and her husband, Brad, and their two boys even named their dog, Thurston, after the lock jawed, elitist character marooned on the island, Thurston Howell III.  I think everyone who watched the show identified with at least one of the characters — the Professor, Marianne, Gilligan, the Skipper or The Movie Star — who every week would comically try to escape from Gilligan’s Island.  I liked to think I was Ginger, the Movie Star.

When the sad news … Read More

Family Porch Time

July 18th, 2011
Posted By:

I am painting the screened-in porch on our house and it is taking me a lot longer than I thought it would.  This time around there is more sanding and it just seems as though there is more to paint.  I had forgotten the amount of prep work necessary before you can even put the brush in the paint.  Oh well…I’m making progress as the radio blasts America’s Top 40, even though I’m occasionally pulled back to thoughts about the last time I painted the porch. Eight years ago, the porch was new and my husband was alive.  He absolutely… Read More

Eating and Grieving

July 14th, 2011
Posted By:

I took a visit to the farmer’s market down the street from my office today and of course learned something new and good for me. ‘Cause that’s what farmer’s markets are all about!! The Summer 2011 issue of Flavor magazine features a cover story about Sam Kass, assistant chef at the White House.  The story, written by former New York Times and Washington Post staff reporter Marion Burros, discusses how Kass changed the way the Obama family eats.  By cooking wholesome local and seasonal foods for the Obama family during the presidential campaign and now in the White House kitchen, … Read More

Bestselling Author Ann Kaiser Stearns, PhD — Save The Date

July 9th, 2011
Posted By:

Although Widowed Persons Outreach provides help for those who are widowed, this October 19th, the 2011 conference is open to everyone! You may be a professional or helping a friend or family member through loss and want to deepen your skills and understanding.  Or you yourself may be experiencing a loss. Whatever your situation, this conference will give you comfort and hope. Bestselling author Dr. Ann Kaiser Stearns brings a powerful message to those dealing with the pain of a loss. When a loved one dies, a marriage or important relationship ends, a financial or health crisis occurs, or even… Read More

Independence Day

July 4th, 2011
Posted By:

Photo by Eileen Milner Today is Independence Day, a day we as a nation celebrate to mark our break with the Kingdom of England and our birth as the United States of America.  As Americans living in a dynamic democracy, we share many freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. We are so lucky to live here and blessed with our way of life.  It continues to be a work in progress but I’ll take it over any other system of government.  I send my thanks to our leaders and those in the military who protect and serve us and… Read More

Feeling Like A Firework

July 2nd, 2011
Posted By:

  This July 4th holiday weekend may be your first holiday without a loved one.  It may be full of poignant memories, making it difficult to participate and enjoy the fireworks, parades and backyard cook-outs. I recently found some helpful suggestions on healing from Capital Hospice’s Survivor’s Guide and thought I would share the following in case you are having a difficult time: — It is okay to feel lousy.  Some days will be worse than others.  There is no logical progression to these feelings and that is okay. –Cry if you need to. –In dealing with guilt associated with… Read More

Julie Potter — Sibley Hospital Angel

July 1st, 2011
Posted By:

I write today about a special woman named Julie Potter who played a pivotal role in putting me and many others on the path to resilience. Today is Julie’s last day at Sibley Hospital and I know that she will be missed quite a lot; especially by me!!!!!  True to her nature, Julie always downplays her valuable contributions and the vast resources she has set up at Sibley to help others. Besides her primary responsibilities at Sibley’s Senior Services department, Julie also oversees the Widowed Persons Outreach (WPO) bereavement group.  For 21 years, Julie has reached out to help people… Read More

OMG…..That Was So Funny…….

June 30th, 2011
Posted By:

When was the last time you had a really good laugh? I’m talking about the kind of laughter that comes from way down deep; when you can’t catch your breath or you accidentally spit out whatever you are eating or drinking because you can’t contain the laughter anymore and you have to let it out. Spontaneous, out loud laughter that is contagious and blows the stress out of your system.  That’s what I’m talking about. Doctors say laughter is great for your health because it reduces stress and strengthens your immune system….and who cares whether you have health insurance or… Read More

Going To The Source

June 24th, 2011
Posted By:

There’s a lot to be said for following an “information is power” philosophy when dealing with a life crisis. When you are grieving the loss of a loved one or facing a serious tragedy that life has thrown you, it feels as though you are playing 52 pick-up.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with this child’s game, it’s when someone takes a deck of cards and tosses all of them in the air.  The cards come flying down, willy nilly, landing wherever they want.  The player then has to put the cards back in order, similiar to what… Read More