When bad things happen in our lives or when we hear of tragedies in the news, it can be hard to know how to talk with our children about the events. Personal trauma, natural disasters, wars, and shootings are all stressful for families. Although every child’s needs are different, here are some thoughts to help you plan your time with… Read More
One time when away from my office for four weeks, I failed to have anyone water the plants. When I came back, the plants were brown, shriveled up, and almost dead. I did not know if I could bring them back to their former vibrant selves, but I had to try. Having a tender heart for living things on the… Read More
Talking to children and teenagers about death and loss is hard. It can be difficult to know where to begin in offering help. As a starting point, I offer these ideas. Encourage them to remember at least these two things about grief. First, you are not alone. And second, you can carry joy and grief together. You are not alone…. Read More
On an early Friday evening, my daughters and I sat on an outdoor patio at a local restaurant. I gazed at their expressive faces, delighting in their laughter and conversation. Our peace evaporated as a van pulled up in the parking lot next to us. At first the sounds from the vehicle were fine. Then their two-year old girl started… Read More
My daughter stood in the kitchen with me as I put dishes away. I turned my head and whacked it hard into the corner of an open cupboard door. My head throbbed as I cried out in pain. You know, that cry of agony right before your ability to breathe disappears momentarily. My daughter cried out, “Mommy!” After a moment,… Read More
Recently at a Kohl’s department store, the sales clerk finalized my transaction and added a cheesy “You saved $26!” Laughing, I said, “You guys crack me up when you say that. The reality is I spent $49.” He replied, “But we like to look on the bright side!” I said, more seriously, “It’s a gimmick. You always have sales. I… Read More
Twelve years ago, our son died. The next day he was born, still. I know. It is backwards. There is nothing right about a child dying. Words often fail to capture our emotions. Either we cannot speak or there are no words. As a loving tribute to Zachariah, I share this poem. Twelve Years Unspoken Entering my… Read More
A beautiful pine tree, slowly dying, stood in our front yard. Realizing we would lose the tree brought sadness. My daughters enjoyed sitting on its low branches, especially when watching for their grandparents to arrive. It was their waiting place. My eight-year-old daughter knew that the tree was going to be cut down. Still, when the day came, it… Read More
