When confronted with change, taking just one step in the right direction can unlock a stronger, braver you Change can be hard and, for some of us, it can make us feel sad, scared, and almost paralyzed with uncertainty about how to move forward. But life is full of change. Whether it’s thrust upon us, … More The Power of One Brave Step
Knowing how to help a friend or loved one who is in the throes of grief doesn’t always come naturally. In fact, the situation leaves many wondering what to say and how to say it, often causing us to say “nothing at all.” And if it’s difficult knowing what to say to a grieving adult, … More When a Child Grieves, We All Should Help
The past week or so has been a whirlwind of activity with holiday events and work activities (sometimes with the two rolled up into one), filling up my days…and evenings…and early mornings. Fun? You bet. But even the excitement of celebrating professional successes and spending time with friends I adore can make this girl tired … More Her Breath on My Cheek: Mom’s kiss was just the Christmas gift I needed
Originally published in Bakersfield Life, November 2015 As an only child, I treasured our holiday gatherings, filled with my large and animated extended family. As an adult, I appreciate those get-togethers even more. But now, there’s an empty chair at our holiday table. Even while part of me is looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, … More Dealing With Grief During the Holiday Season
I’m so happy and grateful to say this post, one of my favorites in honoring my mom, was syndicated by the website BlogHer.com today. Sometimes social media gets a bad rap. Sure, virtual gathering places can result in unnecessary drama and rants. But for me, social media – Facebook in particular – has been … More Facebook Got Us Through My Mother’s Illness
I like to think of the world as a huge and perfectly-directed orchestra with God as the conductor, guiding each of us through His masterpiece. He reminds us when it’s time to come in, when it’s time to boldly crescendo, when it’s time to fade into a soft pianissimo, and when it’s time to simply … More The Present
As I look out my window, I see a big, bright yellow butterfly fluttering around. Of course I do! Mom’s on my mind today. Of course, she’s on my mind every day but we are in the midst of the “it’s been one year since” riptide. One year since she went into the hospital, one … More In My Heart and All Around — Every Day
Tomorrow is yellow, pink, baby blue and sunshine. Flowers, sweet fragrance. Sparkle and bling, trinkets and charms. Smiles, laughs and a warm embrace. Endless, unconditional, one-of-a-kind love. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. It’s my first without the woman who taught me, by example, how to be a mother and how to be a daughter. Two roles … More Tomorrow is Mother’s Day
I had lunch with a friend yesterday who really gets me. She’s taken my hand many times over the past year, figuratively and literally, and walked with me through what she and I call “the fire.” She’s the person who taught me that, when we’re facing the loss of a loved one (or any loss, … More Walking Through the Fire
I thought it would be Mother’s Day. That’s the day I thought I’d miss her the most, the day I’d be mostly acutely aware of the void, the gaping hole, in my world. Eight months after saying goodbye, I am feeling stronger in general. But I brace myself when I see one of “those days” … More A Motherly Kind of Love
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