Confession
May 7, 2012
Yes, I was raised Catholic, but that doesn’t have anything to do with this. It’s a realization I had when I read a stirring essay by April Perry. (Thank you, April, for writing it.) And here is that realization:
Category: Grief
Words of Wisdom
April 30, 2012
As I venture forward into a future without Sue or Shirley, I’m comforted by these words of wisdom from Shirley herself. They are from a speech she wrote for our wedding, and I read them at her service. Take advantage of the insight that only a century of living and loving can truly bring. I think you’ll find … More Words of Wisdom
Bereavement
April 24, 2012
What has helped you through grief or a particularly challenging time? For me, it’s writing. Very few people have ever read my poetry. It’s my great intimacy. But right now, I can find no other way to express the events and emotions of the last few days. Shirley’s death clings to my soul in a … More Bereavement
Meaning of Dreams
April 23, 2012
Oh, to write again! Today I’ll be pouring words onto the page and trying to organize them in some meaningful sense for me and for you. In the meantime, I wrote this (rather eerie now) piece last week, before the shock of Shirley’s death, and I feel I must share it now. The holiday apparently … More Meaning of Dreams
A Life on a Page
April 18, 2012
I wrote my second obituary this week. That’s not something I ever thought I’d add to my repertoire, though I guess it’s nice to have something productive and helpful to do in times like these. The last time this happened I was like a deer in headlights when the family asked me to do it, … More A Life on a Page
Deja Vu
April 16, 2012
We lost Sue’s mother yesterday, a beloved grandmother to my husband, to my daughter, and to me. All of our recent sorrow wells up fresh and takes on a new burden. We’re flying back to Minnesota. We know all too well the list of tasks awaiting us. We had our orientation only a year ago. … More Deja Vu
Haunted Easter
April 9, 2012
Thanks to my poetry post on Friday, I found the following poem in my inbox this morning. My favorite line: “We see your raised face/at both sides of a day.”
Children’s Books About Death
March 5, 2012
Okay, I admit. This is kind of a weighty thing to throw out there. But as I’ve mentioned before, I’m working on a book for kids who won’t have a chance to personally know an integral family member who’s died. It’s an issue that, sadly, will affect a lot of kids (my daughter included). Yet children’s … More Children’s Books About Death
Paradise and Poetry
January 23, 2012
Last week I took a pilgrimage to the island of St. John. I went to find a part of Sue, leave a part of Sue, and gain direction in life after Sue. I went to find paradise. It gave me poetry. Turns out the island’s namesake was able to put my journey into words much … More Paradise and Poetry
Pilgrimage
January 16, 2012
“A journey to a place which is considered special and which you visit to show your respect.”—Cambridge Dictionaries Online And thus my husband, daughter, and I embark on a pilgrimage to the island of St. John. Obviously, it’s gorgeous. But why is it so special to us?
My Castle Heart Publications 