Death of A Loved One

Doug – “Find a purpose”

Doug talks about hope, purpose and putting things into perspective. Doug continues to grieve the death of bis daughter in a car accident.

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.

Adrianna – What I would say to younger self

Adrianna talks about tools that helped her with her grief

Donna B – “Brotherhood of Military”

Donna talks about support from the extended family of the military. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Katie – Reminders in nature

Katie talks about crying privately and how nature can help. Cardinals remind her of her father

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.

Karyn and Aidan – Going forward

Karyn and Aidan talk about Aidan’s wedding after John died and how they continue to cope

Keeping Records

I pulled the photos out of their envelope one at a time, turning over each one to carefully record the date, place, and people in the photo. Sometimes, I included comments. “Apple picking in Hamilton with Pop Pop, Fall, 2023. You loved the wagon ride!”. I slipped each picture into an empty pocket in my son’s photo album.

Donna B – “When the death is public”

Donna discusses healing and a public death. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Doug M – “Helping Children Cope with Sibling Death”

Doug talks about shock and the importance of making sure children get help. Doug continues to grieve the death of his first wife.

Katie – My Story

Katie shares about her story and losing her Dad to cancer during COVID

Shannon – Losing is a life skill

Shannon shares about losing her husband to suicide, her parents and her father-in-law. She felt broken and to be able to take care of her kids and her self seemed overwhelming. It took someone telling her that you can heal from trauma to give her hope for healing.