Opening Up After Life's Traumatic Experiences

Life after childhood cancer, abuse, family addictions, death of my son, suicide of my husband, and more.

Tag: depression

  • Can You Relate?- Blog #31

    Can You Relate?- Blog #31

    Some days I get asked if I’m having a bad day. For some reason that question will trigger the worst of days. My initial thought is “Do I look like I’m having a bad day?” Then my thoughts will turn to “Do you really think any day could be considered a ‘good’ day?” And then…

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  • Losing My Sister- Blog #11

    Losing My Sister- Blog #11

    May Day 2010, I stood beside my oldest sister holding her left hand. I knew God was taking her, but I also knew she didn’t want to let go. My mother was on the other side of her. I whispered into her ear that I loved her and it was okay to go. I felt…

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  • Signs – Blog #10

    Signs – Blog #10

    I am not a person who likes bugs of any type. I would much rather see a snake than a spider. I remember one time Neal teasing me saying I pushed Ryan over trying to get away from a bee. Well, he did exaggerate some. I didn’t push Ryan over, but I did run away…

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  • Getting Help – Blog #9

    Getting Help – Blog #9

    As time passed, it became harder and harder to seek outside help. I knew the grief wasn’t going to go away, but I thought it would become easier.  “No one ever told me grief felt so like fear.” -C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed. Talking about my loss made me worry that people were judging me,…

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  • Why Blog? Why Now? – Blog #6

    Why Blog? Why Now? – Blog #6

    “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary..” – Fred Rogers I want to start by telling you all how wonderful it feels to write these blogs! I have had people reach out…

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  • The Shattered Club – Blog #5

    The Shattered Club – Blog #5

    Nobody wants to be in the grieving parents club! As a parent, losing your child is the most dreaded nightmare of all. My kids were raised in a very small community.  There were less than 500 students K-12 at the time they attended school. The families were tight knit, as most of the kids knew…

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