Death of A Loved One

Doodles

On the first anniversary, I invited people who would understand – friends who knew Marshal’s love of art, and his creative spirit. They all came.

I had copied several of Marshal’s doodles of incomplete characters and creatures, with some finished for the kids to color. I eagerly watched to see which doodle or drawing each person chose.

Sunny- Supporting My Grieving Mom

Karyn and Aidan – Grief changes

Karyn and Aidan talk about how grief changes, coping, strength, crying, talking, comfort and support

Bryan – Empathy for others

Bryan talks about how losing his father to gun violence was difficult and how taking things day by day helped him get through many difficult times. Now he wants to help children who are going through something similar to what he did. Things will get better and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel

Kara – “Same Sex Couple”

Kara talks about never having discussed being a same sex couple with most of her family. Kara continues to grieve the death of her partner.

Cheryl – “Complicated Grief”

Cheryl discusses unresolved grief.

What I know about grief

The following are some things I know to be true about grief for me, based on my lived experience. Some of them may resonate with you as well. Grief is unique to the people experiencing it in each moment, so please take whatever makes sense to you from this share and leave whatever doesn’t.

Kate – My art and my brother

Kate talks about being an artist and expression through art can remind her of her brothers encouragement

Andrew – “Loss of a twin”

Andrew talks about the loss of his twin brother, time in the womb and that there are people out there that can help. Andrew continues to grieve the death of his twin brother by mishap.

Jeff – “Change”

Jeff reflects on the ebb and flow of grief during the healing process. Jeff continues to grieve the death of his mother.

Doug M – “It’s Ok to have a new life”

Doug tells how he has had mixed emotions but that ultimately it’s OK to have a new life. Doug continues to grieve the death of his first wife.

Kate – My story

Kate tells her story of being away when her brother died of an opioid overdose