The grief that comes from your child or any loved one dying is horrific. But sometimes surviving sucks too. It is like a spiral. You fight to stay alive by any means possible, but your quality of life can be screwed up forever. I was just talking about how I … Read the rest
After the First Year
What happens when the shock and disbelief wears off? People who have been there for you might drift away, thinking you should be “over it” by now. Those who were steadfast are golden.
Some folks think that the second year of grieving is more challenging. I am sure that is … Read the rest
A Love Letter
A love letter from those who have passed on…
Take the love you have for me
And radiate it outwards
Allowing it to touch and impact others
Take the memory you have of me
And use it as a source of inspiration
To live fully, meaningfully, and intentionally
Take the … Read the rest
The Spirit of the Season
This year, we put up our Christmas tree super early. My daughter Keili read an article about how putting your tree up early brings you joy. So she was searching for a tree. I got our decorations out and sorted them for her so she could have the ornaments we … Read the rest
Tips to survive the Holidays
It is that time of year again. You may find yourself more sensitive, irritable, less patient, and sad right now. The first few years after your loss, you expect to feel poorly on birthdays and holidays, mainly because others have warned you. If you feel out of sorts more than … Read the rest
Bad week. Prayers needed.
This past week has been one for lots of prayer. I am a former news producer and purposely do not watch the news on a regular basis. I scan my phone when I get up and the house is quiet. Lately I have been appalled by the stories I have … Read the rest
My Maui update
So, I went to Maui to talk with a few folks who needed to process what happened when Lahaina burned. I stayed in South Maui, and it was eerie the first time I drove to the West Side. There are screens up along the bypass, and police spread out along … Read the rest
What about the Keiki and Kupuna?
I know I just posted about the fire relief and grief, but Danyelle brought up a frightening truth I struggle with. The winds were so destructive the morning of the fires, and power was out in different parts of the island. Keiki were not in school as a result. Were … Read the rest
Fire Relief and Grief
This past week has been difficult for my Lahaina Town community, ‘ohana, and dear friends. I am so grateful that my daughter Brie miraculously escaped with her inhalers and Epipen. No time for anything else. Her harrowing tale of navigating streets with downed power lines and trees, cars jammed together … Read the rest
Grief and Time
There is no timetable for grief. No rules. No typical length of time. You are basically at the mercy of your deepest emotion. That doesn’t mean you cannot just crawl in a hole and wait it out. I have found that with grief, it’s best to face it head-on. Feel … Read the rest