When we hear perpetual bad news, changing protocols, and internet shaming, it's difficult to maintain a steady hope. Hope in the future. Hope in our world's ability to rise from all of this to be better and stronger. Last night, after the kids were in bed and we both watched TV, my husband asked how I was doing. He knew something was off from my snippy attitude, short fuse, and restlessness. But at first, I didn’t know how to respond. After reflecting on his question, I think my firstborn Continue Reading
For the One Who Grieves Someone Who is Still Living
I was fresh out of words. With arms folded across my chest, I looked out the bay window as if I might find fresh fire for my prayers. It seemed as though each one fell flat or hit some invisible wall, not reaching the place I needed it to. For years, I didn’t realize you could grieve a living person. In my mind, you only grieved for those who left this life for the next or perhaps those fighting a terminal illness. But someone still alive? I didn’t see it. Until one day, through a Continue Reading
When the Holidays Cause Joy and Pain to Collide
There’s something about the holidays that magnifies our deepest emotions. Our joy and our pain collide, dizzying us at times. Our comfort and our grief come together, often leaving us searching for answers. In the midst of the carols, the lights and hunts for the perfect gifts, we sometimes flounder on a roller coaster of feelings. How do we find solid ground? What is it that can make this time of year both hard and joyous at the same time? Two weeks ago, a person I dated in college died. Continue Reading
