Tag: Bereavedparents
-
Different Yet the Same
Humankind is so wonderfully diverse. No two people, even so-called identical twins, are exactly the same. They may look alike. Their voices may sound alike. But, their personalities, their likes and dislikes aren’t identical. Growing up together, they share many of the same experiences, but not all. And, they may have differing reactions to a…
-
At Least
I’ve written before about the things not to say to someone who is grieving. I don’t mean to be harsh or admonishing. I get it – it’s hard to know what to say, especially when you are caught off guard by someone’s grief. I’ve been in that uncomfortable situation when I didn’t know the person…
-
In Good Company
Many of my blog posts have been inspired by something I’ve read, often a devotional or something written by another bereaved parent. Occasionally, I find myself disagreeing with or having a hard time accepting someone else’s idea or opinion. One example comes from a reading in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. Her devotional for October…
-
Past or Present
Almost exactly two years ago I wrote a post titled “It’s The Little Things.” I talked about how little things (random words, items in my closet, owls hooting) can trigger memories of Rachel. It’s been seven years since she went to Heaven, and while the memories may still bring a tear to my eye, they…
-
Jealous
One of the devotionals I read is from Proverbs 31 Ministries. There’s so much about this organization I love – their morning posts, their in-depth Bible studies, their books and podcasts, and their in-person seminars. They offer a writing program for Christian women through their Compel training branch. I went through their training program for…
-
Remembering
Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. A lot of people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. Veterans’ Day, an official U.S. holiday each November 11th, celebrates and honors all who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces. Memorial Day, held on the last Monday in May, is set aside specifically to honor…
-
The Ring
Eight years ago on Mother’s Day, we celebrated our younger daughter’s engagement. Her fiancé had proposed a few weeks earlier with a beautiful wooden ring that he made. But, she had asked me several years prior if, when she got married, she could have her grandmother’s wedding set to be engaged with. Rachel was an…
-
Invisible
When this post goes live on Monday, May 6th, we will be in between two significant Sundays for grieving mothers. The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day in the US. It’s been celebrated annually since 1908 and became an official holiday in 1914. Almost 100 years later, a mother in Australia started International Bereaved…
-
That Person
Many bereaved parents express dismay and concern that they are not the same person they used to be before child loss. After the initial tidal waves of grief subside, they often find that they don’t recognize themselves. Yes, grief can take a toll on our physical bodies. But, they feel uncomfortable in their own skin,…
-
What Consumes You?
About a year and a half ago, I wrote a post called “When Grief Consumes Us.” I am often drawn to Lamentations 3, verses 22-23: Because of the Lord’s great comfort, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations…
