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Table of Contents: An Overview Top
Note:
The Site Map provides a quick look at all the topics carried under one heading. For example, on
the site map, you will see that December's Deep Grief has ten pages. For ease of use throughout the site, only one
topic appears per page. You can access any page on The Grieving Heart® from the site map,
besides using the navigation bars at the top left of your screen.
Loss is part
of the human story and, at some point in our lives, we all must face it. As Shakespeare advised us in Macbeth, I
have given words to my sorrow:
The Reflection is a seasonal poem or quote from well-known, and not so well-known, grievers. It
changes monthly. You may find that you see yourself in the mirror of grief. Use the passage to reflect a moment in your journal,
or for mediation and prayer. Perhaps you will want to do nothing at all. Grief is personal. Follow inner guidance. The Grieving Heart offers hope and support after the death of a loved one and looks at the difference between grief and depression.
Grief Takes Turns provides information on how to help grieving friends and family members any time
of the year.
How do we grieve while those around us are poised for celebration? December's Deep Grief acknowledges loss amidst the merrymaking and suggests ways to get through the grueling triathlon of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. December's Child offers ideas on how to help grieving children and teens with links and recommended books.
As
the U.S. population ages, many adults find themselves taking care of their own families and elderly parents at the same time
(The Sandwich Generation); or, caring for an ill spouse while employed outside the home. The Long Goodbye looks at the unique grief of people in the primary caregiver role, or those faced
with the agony of watching a loved one die slowly from chronic illness. The death of someone we love is devastating to us. At a time when we are least able to think,
we have to make important decisions. Go to Survivor's Guide for tips on how to cope with the financial and legal demands of the outside world
while doing the important work of grieving. Visit
Kindred Spirits for thoughts on pet loss, euthanasia, children and the death of a pet, helping your
other companion animals grieve, memorials, comforting poetry, making the decision to get another pet, supportive links and
recommended books. Out of five million family pets reported missing every year, as many as two million are stolen. Refer to
Lost or Stolen Pets: What Can You Do? for more information. Includes precautions you can take now to protect your beloved companion animals from tragedy;
and how to find low cost spay-neuter programs in your community.
Soulful Signs carries a true story of redbirds and briefly explores the possibility of after-death communication. The act of writing focuses your thoughts
and feelings, as you Give Sorrow Words and express the profound emotions of grief, with a link for submitting your
own online grief poetry.
Click Thanatopsis for reflections on death. September 11, 2001 remembers those who died on that horrific day and links to survivor support web sites including the special needs of children. I once read that we never fully grow up until both our parents die. By this definition, I have officially reached adulthood
and I don't like it. When Parents Die ponders this statement. Young Americans honors our brave men and women in uniform and commemorates those who have given "the last full measure of devotion" in service to their country. With fitting grief poetry and links to veterans' organizations that support our troops and their families while providing tangible ways for you to help. I first started writing about grief in 2006 after the death
of my mother. Since then I have received many heartfelt and poignant E-mails from fellow grievers. I try to answer every one.
Topics often come up that are not covered in the main body of this web site. I include them here in Letters from the Heart.
The Many Faces of Grief is a chronicle of my personal journey as a griever and as a grief writer. Yes, there
is sorrow, but you will find healing, too.
Other pages carry a list of recommended books divided into two groups:
Books for You (support after loss) and How to Help Others. For
your convenience, Internet Resources lists most of the external links that I use throughout the site with additional links
that do not appear anywhere else. The Grief Counselor section is my way of thanking all the professionals who help grievers. It includes thoughts on job burnout and explores the heart of helping. May you find a deep river of meaning in the high calling of your daily work.
Web Site Ethics considers children and the Internet, copyright law, third-party links, and use
of E-mail attachments. It also carries a brief bio.
Memories of birthdays, anniversaries, summer vacations and personal milestones are always there to
make grief fresh again. Any first time around occasion without our loved one sharpens our awareness of the loss. Because grief changes us in expected and unexpected ways,
this site will always be a work in progress. Please visit again. Site Map
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