grief

Losing a family member is one of the most traumatic life events; Families must support one another to endure the five stages of grief and get through it together.

Divorcing During the Holidays
There is never a good time to divorce.The divorce process can be complex, contentious and stressful for many couples. While January is deemed “divorce month”, many couples choose to divorce prior to the holidays. Adding the divorce experience to the holiday season can add an additional layer of stress and worry.
By Sam Larson3 years ago in Families
Babies in Heaven
You were wanted and you were loved We tried for you for over a year The day we saw those 2 lines, was a complete shock to us both, battling with first and secondary infertility leave you feeling like you’ll never experience it
By CD3 years ago in Families
It's Not You, It Never Was.
My mother once said that as long as I was safe she didn’t care about the world, but then I started to care more about the world than being safe. Having a complicated relationship with your parents feels strange. All my mother had ever done was try to love me while not loving herself. My mother was not the person who raised me, my other mom did. It was always bio mom was the mother or her first name, and adopted mom was mom or mama. My mother tried her hardest to give me the best life possible and adoption was the answer.
By Nat 3 years ago in Families
My Little Light
My heart smiles before it cries when I think of you. You caught me by surprise, oh what a surprise you were. When I found out I was carrying you, I immediately became scared; not scared to be your mom but scared you had felt all of my pain and sadness the weeks you were unknown to me.
By NicholeMiya3 years ago in Families
"Are You A Ghost?"
I sit on my modern red chair reading a book while staring at the old rocking chair opposite me. The old rocking chair starts rocking by itself, just like it has for the last six months since I moved into this old, musty, house.
By Carol Ann Townend3 years ago in Families
Beyond Her Years
Eleven-year-old Alice-May Jayne Kingston-Woods had always been an intellectually advanced, highly responsible, brilliantly polite, and extremely respectful young girl; she had been incredibly bright her whole life, even before starting her school career, she had been incredibly smart and this had only been proven more correct since starting school, she had always been the top student in her year, in all academic and creative subjects, Alice-May excelled exponentially. At every parents evening, her teachers praised Alice-May profusely, not just for her academic achievements, her involvement in extracurricular activities and charitable works, but also for her fantastic imagination, and her wonderful character and beautiful personality. Her teachers would congratulate her mother on how generally fantastic Alice-May was, in every aspect of life that they had seen her or heard about her in the news, through word of mouth from local charities and care facilities she would volunteer in and watched as she interacted with other children and members of the public- no matter their age, gender, race, religion, ability or belief, calling her an “absolutely outstanding, phenomenally well-rounded and generous member of society”. Both her teachers and her mother were incredibly proud of her and would tell her as often as they could that she would go very far in the world- whatever she chose to pursue in later life.
By Bree-Amethyst S G-M3 years ago in Families
Shaving Foam
Today is the first day of the week. They taught me in kindergarten that it's called Monday. And that it comes after Sunday, when we order pizza at night and Flo lets me watch the goals on TV. Mom told her that I like to watch the goals, so she lets me go to bed later to watch Futbol de Primera, my favorite TV show. Then there's The Fantastic League and The Power Rangers, but soccer is my favorite.
By Ricky Lanusse3 years ago in Families
Learn How to Say No to Say Yes to a Much Improved Life
Learn How to Say No to Say Yes to a Much Improved Life The act of refusing something is one that frequently puts people in an awkward position. You should make it a priority to assist as many of your close friends, members of your family, and coworkers as you can. But others will view you as a doormat if you constantly give in to other people's demands and say yes to everything they ask of you.
By Estalontech3 years ago in Families
One Year Without Mom
I lost everything in an instant, and it reshaped my life. This is an anniversary I was not prepared to acknowledge, nor will I ever be. The cold silence of the concrete stone of the ages that is your loss. I learned how to love by following your pattern. I lost you a year ago today, on October 26, 2021. I wish that we had a head start, some warning signs. A head start to treatment (before Stage 3 of an aggressive breast cancer), better doctors, and a fair chance for survival. More than what was given to you under the circumstances that reared their ugly head. Your presence steadied me, and acted as a safety net in a world of uncertainty. No one is prepared to close the door on a chapter of their existence. And I cannot leave you behind. You were too sweet for this world and the suffering you endured the final 10 months of your life. I wanted to be here to take accountability and be your voice in case you lost yours. I wanted to make certain that you did not have to stumble in the darkness alone, but be the bridge to make a safe path. The silence cuts through like the winds of the Arctic. Still, cold, lonely. And I have never heard such a deafening sound as the one when the phone doesn't ring anymore. Your sweet, soft, semi-low voice on the other end. You would chat with me for hours, always beginning with the wild and wacky current events of the world, local happenings, politics. I never tired of your calls. Your bubbly personality was infectious. And wry wit at times sharp, often calling out the nonsense and folly. And I listened to your hearty laugh and searing, yet good-natured sense of humor. And we would find ourselves hours in, sharing laughs, meal planning, secrets, and making memories.
By Stephanie Marley McMechan3 years ago in Families
Dear ———-
I genuinely thought about making this a thank you letter. After what you did I’ve grown so much stronger. I’ve learned and grown and had some incredibly beautiful experiences throughout the past year. However all of the good in the last year is Not thanks to you or a trial. What doesn’t kill you does not make you stronger, Our choices make us stronger. I will never thank you for the positive effort my family and I have extended. My family woke up and drove me to the hospital. Angels surrounded me during those 10 hours. My family prepared their home and gave me a blessing the next night. My family slept next to me that night. My family made sure I went to the gym morning after morning and the temple week after week even though I was scared. My family sacrificed a good 6 months basically breathing For me and prioritizing my healing when they still had their own lives going on. My Savior lead me to the love and direction of my Heavenly Mother. My Savior helps me keep healing every day. My Savior put this family in my life and was there for me even while I was cursing him.
By Jordan3 years ago in Families
Life As It Goes By...
Her brother asked, how it was doing so far as they were driving home from her workplace. He realises she is lying when she claims things are going well. He eventually stops the vehicles and turns to face her. He queries the situation. The girl sobs and tells him that two nights earlier, she had planned to commit suicide. He comforts her with a hug and tells her that things will get better. They resumed driving while playing some gospel music. They hear noises coming from the front while they are driving. He assures her that it is unimportant and that she should not worry.
By A.M3 years ago in Families
Published in a Worldwide Book Series: Chicken Soup for the Soul
I love writing. I can write about anything, whatever my imagination fancies. It helps that I am observant. I learned to observe and while doing so, my imagination runs wild with ideas. Heck, I wrote a small children’s nursery book regarding a cup I saw on the street while waiting at a red stoplight! Besides writing for a few online platforms, I write books and self-publish on Amazon. As well as take on any opportunities I find to submit my stories. Such is the case with this year’s Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas book, The Magic of Christmas.
By Debbie3 years ago in Families