Shirley Enebrad

Author, Speaker & Grief Counselor

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Honoring loved ones

Honoring loved ones

December 11, 2020 by Shirley Enebrad Leave a Comment

2020 has been a dismal year for so many of us. Being forced to live in a bubble, jobs lost, health insurance lost, a government that has failed to provide adequate assistance for citizens who cannot pay rent, feed their families, etc. It just compounds the sadness for grievers. The upside of 2020 and being locked down is this year has been a time of serious reflection.

In the span of a few weeks Barb, one of dearest friends, Linda, who was like my older sister, and Bill, a cherished part of our family who was my son’s stress management doctor and my youngest daughter’s Godfather died. I am sad for myself, my family and the loved ones of each person.  Everyone has to die – I know, I get that but it is never easy and grievers must face down their grief head on to get through to the other side.

Also, when someone you care about dies it brings up the pain of previous losses. It’s holiday time so that has its own triggers about the loved ones who won’t be seated at your table. Add that to 2020 isolation and no gatherings and it is a recipe for a whole new level of sadness. Traditions, yearly interactions, festivities —all stopped due to the fear of catching a deadly virus. Who could have imagined such a time? What can ya do?

Well, in an effort to do something positive and to honor the memory of  my loved ones and because staying home means I don’t need new clothes, shoes, fun stuff – I decided to use the money to help others. My son Cory loved school and learning, so, via the International Rescue Committee I sponsored two girls’ education for a year in his name. For my brother Bobby and Steve’s dad, Ed, I donated to the CoolCapFund.org. They assist African farmers with modern tools and educate them how to use the tools  thus, they can yield more crops with less effort. For my mom, Linda, and Barb I am donating to the Maui Food Bank. I still need to figure out a charity to honor Bill Womack and Michael Poth. Part of the enrichment is selecting the recipient organization that best reflects my loved ones’ lives. (I will update you later on which ones I chose.)

I feel really uplifted helping others while making a contribution in remembrance of my loved ones. Maybe you would too.

Be well, and Mele Kalikimaka!

Shirley

 

 

Mahalo James Wheeler for the fabulous photo.

Blog, Grief, Life and Living, Self Care Tagged: giving, honoring, remembrance, traditions

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Reviews & Testimonials

The greatest gift I received from reading “Over the Rainbow Bridge” is a comforting peace about death and dying. Death is not an ending, but the beginning of a new phase. Powerful. Thanks Cory for your wisdom.Through the life of this 9 year old boy, I learned more insights about heaven and the afterlife than I ever learned by attending church. I don’t know who I’m more impressed with—Cory, a young man who even in death was the most positive, inspirational person I never met; or his mother Shirley who had the courage to really list… Read more
Shelly Heesacker, Freelance TV Field Producer for ‘Oprah’ and ‘The Dr. Phil Show’
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Books are often described as good, exciting, motivational, or inspirational. Rarely do you find one that is truly life transforming. ‘Over the Rainbow Bridge’ is just such a book. It is absolutely miraculous the impact the story of this little nine your old child had on my perception of life, death, and God. My life has been inspired and enhanced by Cory’s story. If you are depressed for any reason, you will have a change of heart and mind after reading how Cory dealt with every day life in the short time he was here on earth. I can hardl… Read more
Carrie D. Hewitt, Newly Encouraged Mother of Four
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Over the Rainbow Bridge is an intelligent and emotional book that exhibits an unforgettable life and death of a child wise beyond his young years. You don’t have to be grieving to get Cory’s life lessons.
Karen Minton, MA, CAN, Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Maine
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Cory was my favorite patient ever and he taught me more than I could ever teach him. His lessons about Summerland (the afterlife) were profound and his drawings of what he saw ‘Over the Rainbow Bridge’ helped thousands of people get in touch with their long-buried emotions.
Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross, Famed researcher & author of 16 books ‘On Death and Dying’
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I just have to tell you that your book has become a part of me.  I have milked it by only reading it when I was alone and quiet.  I feel I know little Cory now.  It has been a privilege getting to know his sweet spirit.  Thank you so much for sharing a small part of him with me.  I would love to see the video that was made.  Bless your heart for the pure love and strength that you instilled in your sweet baby.  Cory is a true gift to all who get to share his story.
Pamala Butler Iacovitti, Wichita Falls, Texas (after reading Over the Rainbow Bridge)
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Shirley, I can’t tell you how much your book touched my life. Your son was an amazing boy-such an upbeat, inspiring, beautiful little boy… although I cried, I also celebrated the person he was. And your writing made me feel like I was a part of your life with your son, instead of just reading about it. Images came to mind. Like when you had to walk that long distance to the hospital with your son in your arms after your car broke down. There were so many others… and the laughs I had with the ghosts!  The feelings I experienced while reading –I … Read more
Lisa Salvati, TV News Reporter, New York (after reading Over the Rainbow Bridge)
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This book on coping is such a gift. It’s a quick, concise read that any busy, grief stricken person can benefit from. Knowing that the writer has experienced grief is powerful, she has walked down the lonely, painful journey herself. Thank you for this book as we grieve the loss of my beautiful mother-in-law!
Joanie Raaum (after reading Six-Word Lessons on Coping with Grief)
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I loved this very human and touching story of a family’s journey with a terminally ill child. Although it was sad, it was also courageous and funny. It was far more about living than about dying, and offers a positive example for all of us to value each day. The messages about life beyond death’s door are intriguing, uplifting, and very believable. Thank you for a beautiful read.
Marcia Shaver (after reading Over the Rainbow Bridge)
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The written word can be very powerful and moving, and every so often there is a book that can truly change lives; Over the Rainbow Bridge is that important. It is a true account of a heroic child’s mission in his short life to teach us about love and life, that one and both are the same: eternal. In our culture, where death is almost a taboo subject, Over the Rainbow Bridge will help us confront our fears and embrace life in a “down to earth” way. It is accessible, a comfort to read, as if being embraced by an old friend.
Gei Chan, well-read Artist & Designer
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Although I haven’t experienced too much loss, this short, to-the-point book gave me a wealth of very important information on how to help others cope with grief, and how to know what to expect when it happens to me. I learned about things to say and not to say to those grieving, and how important it is to let yourself go through the process when you experience loss. The author knows what she is talking about, as she has experienced extensive loss herself. Concise and helpful tips!
P. Pacelli, Sammamish, WA (after reading Six-Word Lessons on Coping with Grief)
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