You know those restaurants that give you sharpies to write on the walls? So, you are encouraged to leave your mark on the establishment. We have one of those places close by. For awhile it was a staple breakfast spot for our family. It was a place that Tony loved. The food was over the […]
Blog
A Seven Day Celebration of the Dogs that Keep Us Moving On
I realized recently that in the next few weeks, I’m nearing my three year anniversary posting for Widow’s Voice, my not-to-be achieved 30th wedding anniversary date, and the 4th anniversary of Rich’s passing. I don’t have to dig too deep to find something to write about. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t inform that […]
Haunted Houses
Last Friday, a friend and I went down to a local restaurant that’s located inside a historic Victorian house originally built in 1891. It also happens to be 2 doors down from the 1895 Queen Anne style cottage Mario and I purchased and renovated (and that my friend still rents from me). We’d been there […]
School Daze
Tuesday marked the start of the tutoring year. Zoey and I had been scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Based on the last two years, I can say she is an eager student and a person who strives to excel academically. I’m happy to push her hard. In these respects, Zoey is different from the […]
The Premise of a Protected Sharing Space
The Container Part 2 of a series focusing on the benefits of a protected deep listening experience. It’s interesting which memories last the test of time in my brain. They are most often “stories” whose meanings remain current years later. This one lives in me from nearly 50 years ago. The concept of safe […]
September
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Over the years my attitude towards these attempts to bring awareness has evolved. In a lot of ways, it has transformed with my grief. The first year, it made me angry. Prevention? Seriously? How could I have prevented something he kept hidden […]
The Gifts in the First Year of Widowhood that Shape the Grief Journey
I was contacted by a long time friend this week asking for resources for a widow client he was working with. I am sure many of us widows are asked similar questions, or asked if we would be willing to talk with someone who is recently widowed and may need to connect with another widow. […]
Planting Roots
Last week’s post centered on how a log cabin in rural Northern Florida became my primary home and haven nearly two years after the passing of my husband. I became an official Florida resident earlier this year and recently transferred my homestead exemption to my most recent residence. With four dogs now, and an acre […]
“It’s aloneness rather than loneliness”
I spent way too much time mindlessly scrolling instagram last week. I spend more time there than any other social media platform simply because I follow a lot of just plain old fun accounts as well as art and music and people out in the world doing nice things. There is one account I follow […]
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
The first weekend of the professional football season is now complete. As has been the case for far too many seasons, my team melted down just when it mattered most, coming up short against a hated rival. In the immediate aftermath, I halfheartedly listen to the angry, postgame blowback of fans on sports radio, which […]
The Power of Listening
on our path toward healing Part 1 of a series focusing on the benefits of a protected deep listening experience. What is non-judgmental listening? It’s an integral piece of creating an authentic community where everyone feels seen and heard. A safe place to grow. The gift of non-judgmental listening, within a safe space, changed my […]
Curiosity of 5 Year Olds
“Are you going to die, Mama?” Those words cut through me like a knife as my entire body went motionless. I looked at that sweet face that was looking back at me, not realizing the impact her question had on me. My mind blanked for a second, not knowing how to answer back, and then […]