Shirley Enebrad

Author, Speaker & Grief Counselor

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Sad musings

Sad musings

May 20, 2024 by Shirley Enebrad Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day just passed which also means the anniversary of my son’s death. Time does not heal the pain of grief. I know I have said that over and over. I am proof. It still hurts like crazy and he has been gone for 39 years. It feels like moments ago while at other times it feels like a lifetime ago. People who have been fortunate enough not have had a child die won’t understand that statement. Now, it has been a few weeks since and I am still having bouts of sadness. Not every day and not all day long, but out of the blue it hits me in the face and heart—again.

My daughter’s health issues that I wrote about in my last post have not abated. She did find out that the AVN is in both hips. She will see a new hip surgeon in two days. She is still looking for a new shoulder guy. Long story. It’s been a ridiculously long and pain filled search for the right doctors. Seeing her in pain unable to walk half the time has made my emotions raw so that is probably why Cory has been on my mind lately.

Good news! My daughter Brie, is doing better with her PTSD caused by the Lahaina Town fire. Rejoice!

My sweet mother-in-law fell and broke both sides of her pelvis and banged her head resulting in a mild brain bleed. She spent the first week in the hospital and had a wonderful care team and great all-around experience. Then, they sent her to a rehab facility. OMG. What a nightmare. After a week we busted her out of there. We were able to give her much better care at home. It wasn’t easy. It was totally worth it not to have the stress of knowing she was not getting her needs met. The place had beautiful grounds and sparkling clean hallways but no one ever came when she pushed the call button. She was constantly in pain or panicking. My husband had to jump in the car and drive over there to take her to the bathroom. More than once too. Unacceptable. This place is highly rated. Not sure how or why.

Do I sound as if I need a vacation? I just had one. Five minutes after we walked in the door, my mother-in-law tripped and fell. Wiped out my ten days of relaxation in Cabo. Poor Steve only had six days. (Photo is view from our balcony.)

I will stop whining now. Count your blessings. Tell your loved ones how much you care for them. Never take anyone for granted. Your life can change in a heartbeat.

Be well,

Shirley

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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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