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Finding My Sunshine – Blog #23
“Our greatest battles are that with our own minds.” – Jameson Fran The first time I really consciously thought about trying to change my mindset was when I decided to have my foot surgeries. Instead of focusing on the pain, I changed my words and thoughts to “this is what it feels like to heal.”…
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Improving Quality of Life – Blog #21
“A range of studies reveal the powerful effects grief can have on the body. Grief increases inflammation, which can worsen health problems you already have and cause new ones. It batters the immune system, leaving you depleted and vulnerable to infection. The heartbreak of grief can increase blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.…
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Remembering Ryan Blog #14
“Just as you knew you loved him and could remember him on demand before he died, the same will be true now and into the rest of your life.” – Karen Nicola I fear losing memories… especially of Ryan. It is said that after people die, it is their voice that people usually forget first.…
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Visiting Texas – Blog #13
I met Jason at a restaurant in Dallas. Jason was the one that was holding the gun when it went off and shot Ryan. My mother went with me. I was so nervous to meet him. I could tell he was scared when I saw him. We hugged and he said he was sorry. I…
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My Husband’s Suicide – Blog #3
My Husband’s Suicide Neal was the funniest person I knew. That is how he captured my heart. He made me laugh everyday, usually at myself! He was so brilliant. You never wanted to play trivia pursuit with him… somehow he always knew the answers! Actually, you could not play any game with him without him…
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The Accident – Blog #2
My son, Ryan, died 7/7/2013 at age 24 after being accidentally shot while at his girlfriend’s family reunion in the Fort Worth area. This is the story of the accident… Growing up in Wyoming, Ryan loved hunting and target shooting! He collected guns and was teaching his new girlfriend to target shoot. They had only…
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Losing My Son – Blog #1
My son died July 7th, 2013, he was 24. Grief is scary for me and I always have felt judged while grieving, like I have a mental illness that is somehow contagious. It has taken me awhile to learn that grief is not synonymous with depression. Losing a loved one does not cause illness, it…
Opening Up After Life's Traumatic Experiences
Life after childhood cancer, abuse, family addictions, death of my son, suicide of my husband, and more.