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.
The Life I Have
Some people like to carelessly throw around the phrase “life can change in an instant.” For me, it was around forty-five seconds; nearly a minute of holding my breath until the pale, sterile walls of the doctor’s office started to soak up the remnants of my hopes and dreams.
By Amanda Emm5 years ago in Families
This is How Memories Live
In her final few days in hospice care, I can remember the last time she opened her eyes and recognized me. She opens her eyes when you grab her hand and say “grandma.” Today would be the last time I would look into her eyes and know that she saw me for me. My mom was leaning over her and with one hand holding grandmas and another hand stroking her hair. “Grandma, Brian is here,” she said. In the hospice room, my grandma lay, eyes closed on her right side, back to me. My mother at her side, holding her hand,
By Brian Collins5 years ago in Families
The Journey To Soap
This is going to be a story of the journey one woman took, from having a shattered heart, to once again being happy and looking forward to the days to come. The moment that there was a complete disconnect between this woman, and her children, to the point where she felt like she was able to open up her heart to connect again. It was not an easy journey, but getting to the point where life was worth living was worth every healing step. There will always be an absence in our lives, but there is also a new way to connect to the one who is no longer here. This is her story.
By Heather Brunet5 years ago in Families
Creating Textile Hearts
Finding Solace During Grief By Emily Potter In the midst of great loss, I found a lifeline to keep me going. Understanding the need for masks in our community as well as for those outside the state of Michigan, I began a simple process: learning to make masks for first responders, friends and family. During the pandemic of 2020, our family faced many challenges within our walls. We lost several friends, faced a loved one battling cancer and lost 2 very close extended family members. Add to that teaching two kids from home while still working our jobs and one can understand why an outlet was imperative for stress relief. My Granny had taught me basic sewing skills and I had a sewing machine ready for action. I also had my pairs of trusty Fiskar scissors.
By Emily Potter5 years ago in Families
Discovering Joy in the Wild
I will never forget the first time I laughed. I forgot for just a moment, overcome with the hilarity of a shared moment among friends. I looked around wondering if anyone had noticed. Guilt flooded my soul. It had been 6 long weeks since we buried my young husband. Ripe with a baby soon to be born, I spent most of my days shrouded in a cloud of confusion and grief. There was no joy. How could I ever be happy again? But for the children, including the one yet to be born I had to at least try.
By Maria Calderoni5 years ago in Families
Significant Occurrences
Although my early childhood consists of a plethora of "significant occurrences", this "significant occurrence" however, was more of a reoccurrence throughout my childhood and it wasn't as much an occurrence as it was an announcement, a proclamation if you will.
By Stephen Cummisky5 years ago in Families
Faith, As A Mustard Seed
If you had asked me when I was 16 who I loved most in the world, I would have said nothing. I would have repelled immediately from the question, like a dog who had been kicked too many times. I would have thought you were an idiot for thinking love existed.
By Faith De Young5 years ago in Families
