LIFE REVISED – BLOG
Join me on my journey exploring life & death and grief & post-traumatic growth.
Tribute Art
From the moment it was assigned, my son knew immediately what subject matter his mixed media art project would cover. He came home asking me for purple paints and ribbons and a picture of his late father, Joe. He wanted to honor his memory through tribute art. I...
I Lived
Another loss. Another funeral. This one for a friend's husband. A loving father and fearless warrior who held strong, endured unimaginable pain and fought courageously for every last moment of this life. The similarities of struggle and loss stir painful memories of...
Three Month Fall Out
Bad things come in threes. Sad but true, and as much as I’d love to ignore this little superstition, it seems to have once again unfortunately entered my life. Two dear friends recently lost their spouses, dying much too young. Another friend’s wife has taken a turn...
Street Signs
Not everyone believes in signs. No, I’m not talking about those that tell us when to stop or where we can park. The signs I am referring to are those that come from “the other side,” the ones that come from our loved ones who have died but still somehow let us know...
Cultural Fair
The cultural fair gets me every time. Every few years it creeps up on me. The school project dedicated to exploring family trees and genealogy. Our school calls it the cultural fair. I call it my personal minefield chock full of memories and mixed emotions. When the...
Great Expectations
Easter 2016 did not go as planned. What started off to be a carefree morning of traditional Easter egg hunting and artful egg dyeing, instead quickly dissolved into a frantic Googling session. Researching facts on Dove Milk Chocolate became a top priority -- not to...
It Takes a Village
I believe we all have a village. Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, classmate parents, and acquaintances. When we think about all the people in our lives, from the nearest and dearest to the familiar faces that surround us on a daily basis, we realize the extent...
What is Post-Traumatic Growth?
Have you ever heard of Post-Traumatic Growth? When I ask people the question: "Have you ever heard of Post-Traumatic Growth?" I typically receive either blank stares or quizzical looks. When I ask the same question about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I always...
The 5 Best Things Said to Me While Grieving
Here’s one we are constantly revising in our heads. We want to say something but often start overthinking it: What’s the best thing to say? How do I say it without stirring up sorrowful emotions? Should I say anything at all? While everyone experiences loss differently – these were the best 5 things said to me while grieving the loss of my husband.