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.

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.

Karyn and Aidan – Support.

Karyn and Aidan discuss how much the support they received helped

Lyss – Music

Lyss remembers playing music for her mother as she was dying and how music has helped with feelings

Scott – The grieving process

Scott talks about how his song ‘The Good Man James” was about his father, their relationship and how it helped him process their relationship. Find the song at his website www.dotbmusic.ca

Doug M – “Writing a Letter”

Doug explains how writing was very profound and helpful in processing his grief. Doug continues to grieve the death of his first wife.

Adrianna – Guilt and death by suicide

Adrianna gives insights she has found about guilt

Sam – Mental health tools and resources

Sam discusses talking care of his mental health and group therapy after losing his father, uncle and cousin

Cheryl – “My story” short version

Cheryl talks about her daughter’s organ donations.

Holly – Every grief is unique

Holly talks about how grief can make you feel like you have lost your soul but that there is something to learn

Kate – My story

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

Amber – Talking about death

Amber explains why it’s so important to talk about grief and her kids