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.

“Behold, I Tell You a Mystery”
I made my bed so I could lay down and meditate there, but then I found myself walking outside and sitting in the grass in our yard.
By Jessica Wolf4 years ago in Families
Acts of Love
“You forget your key, hon?” There it was: the first thing Nancy ever said to me. That evening, I came home from work to discover that I had locked myself out of the apartment. Nancy, who lived next door and often sat on the porch we shared, looked on in quiet anticipation as I rummaged through my backpack in search of the key.
By Ivana Danilovic4 years ago in Families
Jaani
This story is not about a pet dog. This story is about more than a pet dog. Nearly 35-40 years ago, I was in in 5th or 6th Grade school. We used to live in a rented house. Our house was located in a small two storied building. All tenants of the building were from middle class family. There were nearly 10 – 12 children to play around and those were obviously my friends.
By Jaideep Shinde4 years ago in Families
Opioid Crisis
My hometown city is in crisis, and I had a dream last night about it. My dream inspired me to track down those I am thankful for and confront those that did me wrong. I found the principal of my high school on Facebook; I sent her a request. I wanted to share with her, how grateful I was, I really hope she accept, but when I checked again this morning, she hadn't yet. I started looking for the others, I found the vice principal's obituary. My experiences with him, and watching his maltreatment of others, one couple in particular, left me feeling sad, for whatever happened to him that caused the death of his humanity long before his life ended.
By Whitney Carman4 years ago in Families
The Peace, Disturbed
I did not grow up disadvantaged. As every other kid on my school bus, I was a spoiled brat. I like to think, at least, that I was nice for a brat. Oh, but no-one thinks they are the worst of whatever they are.
By G. Arthur Clynes4 years ago in Families
Fighting Dragons From Across the Rainbow Bridge
As darkness falls outside our home, the monsters come out. The shape, size and intention of these creatures change as my boys age and their viewing habits introduce new creatures to their inner grimoires. However, no matter the creature that could be lurking in the yard, ready to peek in through the windows, Bella the ghost dog is ready to protect my boys from any danger.
By Penny Fuller4 years ago in Families
How A Cheeseburger and Fries Helped Me Resolve A Lost Love
Earlier this week, we had a beautiful January afternoon in Southeast Texas. The temperatures lingered in the mid-seventies with a few showers on the horizon. A warm breeze fluttered through the trees. It was a day to spend outdoors.
By Lee J. Bentch 4 years ago in Families
Stillness of the Midnight
He lay on the bed, ankles crossed and an arm tucked behind his head. He drew in a breath before releasing a long sigh, running his fingers through the length of his sandy, brown hair. Rubbing his weary eyes, he sat up and placed his feet on the floor. Elbows resting on his knees he interlaced his long fingers on the back of his neck.
By Mimi D Tucky4 years ago in Families
Saudade (A Short Story)
The first time I ever attended a funeral, it was my brothers. There are some people that you think will live forever and even if the earth was reduced to ash, they would survive somehow. That’s how I saw my big brother; his existence was an entire galaxy and what could ever destroy something like that? Yet - there we were, congregated in the very home we had both grown up in. It took me two hours before I could make an appearance, it was easier sitting in my room, but the people had come. Even though crowds weren't my thing, this wasn't about me. With a racing heart and palms drenched in sweat, I glanced over the sea of faces – many I had never seen before, nor have I seen since. Black garments wrapped around robotic-like frames, embraced me one at a time accompanied by empty words.
By Joy4 years ago in Families
For Whom the Pueo Calls
I had never seen an owl up close before. When I lifted its lifeless body, I was struck first with how slight its weight was. The impressive wingspan, sharp claws designed to snatch small prey, and the owl's majesty in flight so contradicted this awareness now of the animal's fragility. The delicate bone structure, round face, small beak, and the light snuffed from its eyes demonstrated a universal truth – death pulls the curtain away on all of us to reveal our ultimate vulnerability. Cradling its body on my forearm, I stroked its light brown feathers speckled with black eye-shaped dots. Shifting it over, I patted the owl’s pillowy soft tufts of fine white feathers covering its underbelly and legs.
By Malia Akutagawa4 years ago in Families
“Non-Omnis Moriar”
“Non-Omnis Moriar” (Grief, Mourning, Motherhood) By S.E. Teres Fifteen. Fifteen steps. Fifteen steps to her room. So strange what you notice in the after. When you walk into a dimly lit, silent house knowing you only have a short time alone with your grief. The deafening quiet is almost a comfort when you break down.
By Sarah Teres4 years ago in Families
An ethereal greeting from my uncle
I'm not one for taking walks or going hiking. I think it's because I was part of the cross-country club during my high school days and we used to tire ourselves out, experiencing extreme weather conditions such as strong rain or hot and humid periods while doing our laps on uneven terrain.
By Gia Clarissa4 years ago in Families