Settling back in the chair, Tim talks about his wife Leah, who died 15 years ago. “There’s not a day that goes by without me thinking about her. You know, ‘What would she look like today? Would she still be working?’ You just kind of think about what our life might have been like. ‘What would she think about this?… Read More
Helping Children Cope in Difficult Times
When bad things happen in our lives or when we hear of tragedies in the news, it can be hard to know how to talk with our children about the events. Personal trauma, natural disasters, wars, and shootings are all stressful for families. Although every child’s needs are different, here are some thoughts to help you plan your time with… Read More
Learn to help people relieve pressure and anxiety—Ten Tips for Effective Listening
In a world upended, hurting, and fearful, the pressure is mounting. As anxiety and tension escalate, we all need to become better listeners. The ability to listen to someone helps that person release the pressure that builds up inside. We can think about stress and anxiety as pressure that needs to escape. In various types of equipment, a relief valve… Read More
Christmas for those who are hurting
Standing in the checkout line, I overheard the young cashier tell a customer that she was soon going home, which would thrill her three-year-old son. Earlier that morning, her little boy begged her not to leave. She said, “I asked him, ‘Do you want Christmas to come or not?’ He said yes. So I told him, ‘Then I have to… Read More
Empty Chairs: Grief and Joy during the Holidays
Rosie walked into the house carrying her famous apple pie. Everyone was happy to see her — and the pie — but also cautious. Rosie’s husband, Simon, died two years ago, and holiday family gatherings have never been the same. No one is sure what to say. They do not want to make Rosie cry by mentioning Simon. Rosie does… Read More
Why You Should Resist Taking Care of “Things” for those Grieving
When Christina was a teenager, her mother and several younger siblings died in a car accident. During the first week after her mom died, Christina and her remaining siblings would go through their mom’s closet and smell the familiar perfume on her clothes. Christina recalled, “She was a nurse and worked evenings so she had a robe that she always… Read More
A loved one who died can help us live.
Forcing her feet to step out of the car, Susan dried her eyes before walking into the country dance hall. No one there knew that the reason she wanted to dance was also why her tears fell so easily. Her love for dancing started with the house dances from her childhood. Susan beamed, “I was not any older than five… Read More
Bring Your Soul Back to Life
One time when away from my office for four weeks, I failed to have anyone water the plants. When I came back, the plants were brown, shriveled up, and almost dead. I did not know if I could bring them back to their former vibrant selves, but I had to try. Having a tender heart for living things on the… Read More
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