I Am A Griever

Kate – My art and my brother

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

Lyss – Seasonal Reminders

Lyss seasonal reminders and her mother dying at New Years

John – Being helpful to someone in grief

John shares his thoughts on how to help someone in grief

Angie – Grief and Policing

Angie talks about policing and priorities and the importance of self care

Lyss – Writing Songs and Words

Lyss shares about how writing songs and words has helped her with intense feelings

Nicole – Grieving as a community

Nicole discusses the power of grieving together as a community. Finding connection and trust.

Jessica M – Legacy

Jessica explains legacy and gives examples including her own.

Scott – Writing music

Scott talks about the cathartic nature of writing music stories

Jessica’s Reflections as an Adult Grieving Child

Parents or trusted adults are people children often turn to for support, but my circle of trusted adults was shrinking. My peers were focused on what to wear on civvies day (a day where we didn’t have to wear a uniform), while I was focused on just surviving.

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Kate – Stigma

Kate discusses how difficult the stigma is to deal with

Jim – Supporting someone in crisis

Jim talks about supporting someone in crisis and how being there for them can help. That may mean answering the phone at 2am, taking them to the doctor’s appointment, and checking tup on them. It’s not easy, but it’s the right thing to do. He was fortunate to have a friend who did this for him, and is still grateful for their support. If you know someone who is struggling, don’t be afraid to step up. It could make all the difference.