Buy the book that started this blog. “Traces of Hope, St Johann Press 2015. Click on the picture to go to Amazon.
Category Archives: grief
There
Today is April 14 Planning his birthday for May And Turnipseed’s daughter is in a play Will Porp come, or Meghan? Will it matter? He won’t be there We’ll order appetizers and beer He liked Dunkel, once Then the birthday … Continue reading
Storms
Subtropical Storm Alberto, May 26, 2018 An actual picture. Storm Ending BY JEAN TOOMER Thunder blossoms gorgeously above our heads, Great, hollow, bell-like flowers, Rumbling in … Continue reading
God?
So I just read my last blog post again and realized how theistic it sounds. God – the Great “I Am.” As a Christian one would assume I am a theist. But I find myself in the post-Christian camp, more of … Continue reading
The anxiety of loss; the loss of anxiety, Part II
This article has some excellent advice. Tips For Taking Care of Yourself During Stressful Times From the NIU Employee Assistance Program Stop, breathe, and tell yourself: “This is hard and I will get through this 1 step at a time.” During … Continue reading
Posted in anxiety, depression, grief, happiness, Healing, Hope, loss, meaning, mindfulness, Nature, spirituality, Suffering
Tagged anxiety, depression, meaning, Nature, pain, stress
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The anxiety of loss; the loss of anxiety, Part I
After experiencing a loss – the loss of a loved one or another major loss such as the loss of one’s health – anxiety is going to be a part of the experience. Loss raises questions that we aren’t comfortable … Continue reading
Posted in anxiety, depression, empathy, grief, loss, meaning, Suffering
Tagged anxiety, depression, meaning, stress
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Hope
WORD FOR THE DAY When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. RALPH WALDO EMERSON VISIT GRATEFULNESS.ORG
Loss is like a tsunami
In New Orleans we are very aware of the power of great waves pushed up by hurricanes. Driving along the coast recently I was reminded of this power and how much had to be rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. The loss … Continue reading
Posted in depression, grief, Healing, Hope, loss, Suffering
Tagged hope, loss, rebuilding, spirituality, tragedy
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Praying up a storm!
I have profound respect for UMC and Baptist ministers who can pray in such uplifting and deeply personal ways with patients and families. Coming from an Irish Catholic background I am genetically non-disposed to utter Amens and Thank you Lords … Continue reading
Posted in grace, grief, Prayer, religion, spirituality
Tagged Christianity, God, gratitude, Prayer, religion, spirituality
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Becoming an artist of loss
When I have spoken at memorial services I have often used the image of a tapestry or cloth for the human story and spoken of how the person who has died is nonetheless part of that tapestry for all time. … Continue reading
I want to fix people
I have a problem I’m just beginning to admit: I want to fix people. I want to fix people by giving them a book, loaning them a CD, reading them a scripture passage. I want to fix people because their … Continue reading
Posted in grief, Healing, Hope, spirituality, Uncategorized
Tagged faith, healing, hope, spirituality, suffering
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Traces of Hope 