Grief and Trauma

Quiet Hope: Healing as a Nurse, Mourning as a Mom

By: Yhaimar Barile I’m a nurse. I’m a writer. And I’m a mom who lost her son. Last year, shortly before his eighteenth birthday, my son Gabriel died unexpectedly. Everything changed after that. Life split into a clear “before” and “after.” The world around me kept moving, but mine stopped. Nothing looked or felt the…

Donna B – “Having Faith”

Donna explains how faith has helped her. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Sarah K – Humour to cope

Sarah discuss how humour has been a tool in helping her to cope

Brenda and Dale – “Family”

Brenda and Dale talk about their struggles in being a family. They continue to grieve the death of their son by suicide.

Cameron Halkett – “We Matter Campaign”

Cameron talks about her loss and reads her poem about not being alone.

Christian – “Stigma of opioid death”

Christian talks about the social acceptance of an opioid overdose.

Krista – “How a counsellor helps”

Krista explains how a grief counsellor has helped.

Russell – “Going back to work”

Russell talks about the process of going back to work. Russell continues to grieve the perinatal death of his son.

Russell – “Be good to yourself”

Russell explains that looking after himself gives him the strength to look after others. Russell continues to grieve the perinatal death of his son.

Shannon – Power of Presence

Shannon discusses how just showing up, being present is a powerful way of supporting to someone who has lost. Listen more – talk less.

Grief and Disability: Carrie’s Story

It has become clear to me over time that we have much work to do to ensure the delivery of disability-sensitive grief literacy and grief support. In March of 2022 my proposal for four 1-hour sessions was approved, we provided the program for 20 participants. My heart was full in each session.

My heart remains full of hope that conversations, education, and expertise about disability sensitive end of life care and grief support will gain momentum as more and more people join in on this vital conversation.

Bryan – Anticipation

Bryan discusses the experience of having his father go through a coma and ultimately dying from gun violence