My father would have celebrated his 66th birthday this past January. As we have every year since the day he left this world, my sister and I post a message on his FaceBook page as a tribute to the man we called "Dad" for so many years. Many people "liked" this message, and commented about how they miss his audacious self. Among those comments lied one in particular that initially angered me. Yet, as I thought about it throughout the day I ...
Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony – A Powerful Tool
I wanted to share a memorial tool that I’ve used several times during group grief counseling (Becky, Jessica and I have done this together as well). A memorial candle lighting ceremony with spoken verses has been especially comforting during difficult times, like the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. We recently performed it at LOSS two weeks ago in a group setting. This was the first time that I was overcome by emotion and cried. It felt so ...
Out of the Darkness Walk – Remembering my Dad
On Saturday, a handful of my friends and family participated in the AFSP's Out of the Darkness Walk. The AFSP is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and all throughout the country they organize "Out of the Darkness" Walks in which suicide survivors can raise money in honor of their loved ones. Quoting their website, "AFSP funds research aimed at improving our understanding of suicide and ways to prevent it as well as educational ...