Why Do We Cry, Really?

Surely physical pain can and does cause great suffering and tears because of its intensity. Women especially know agonizing pain because of childbirth or disabling, long-term problems with their reproductive system. Migraines or cancer or severe injuries can drop either gender to the floor. And the list goes on. Yet … Read more…

Just Hangin’ in There

When someone asks how we’re doing, we frequently answer, “Oh, hangin’ in there.” We can’t go deeper without burdening the sometimes casual questioner. Even when the question is sincere, it usually takes too much of our limited energy to explain what’s going on, especially for an introvert. More so, if … Read more…

Impressions from a Funeral

Attending the funeral of a lady who had helped so much when my husband died a few years ago brought back a lot of thoughts and emotions. I’ve attended several other funerals since, and watched the broadcast funerals of those in various positions of authority (usually men and women well-loved … Read more…

Never Apologize for Who You Are

Every individual can do better and be better in this world. There are no exceptions since no one is perfect. Yet there are those who will criticize you as being weak if you cry, if you show frustration or irritation with the world, if you keel over from exhaustion. Get … Read more…

When Life Takes Its Own Path

From the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 – 1796) we’ve developed the expression: “The best laid plans of mice and men do often go astray.” Burns’ poem To a Mouse was written after late autumn ploughing destroyed the tiny nest of a poor little field mouse that had obviously put … Read more…

We’re Entitled to be Angry

The pain of the past week has been almost unbearable for so many thousands of us, even those of us who don’t live in the hit zone of the San Bernardino terror. The shock waves just keep coming as more information is discovered and released to us. Those of us … Read more…

Little did I know…

Little did I know when I scheduled my last post about grief that before it ever appeared online, my own husband would suddenly pass away. I have been acutely sensitive to those who make thoughtless comments about and to those who are grieving, and I’ve personally lost relatives, friends and … Read more…

When a Friend is Grieving

Grief is a very personal journey and a very long one. It is different for every family and for every individual. We can never, ever assume that someone will be “over it” in a few weeks or months. They will not be! I hope I never have to hear another … Read more…