Every fall, my family takes on the challenge of a local corn maze. We are determined to find all of the wooden animals that are stationed throughout the maze. It generally takes us over an hour. We have our strategy as we work together to explore every nook and trail. If we had an aerial view map of the maze,… Read More
How Do We Keep Caring in a Broken World of Pain?
On an early Friday evening, my daughters and I sat on an outdoor patio at a local restaurant. I gazed at their expressive faces, delighting in their laughter and conversation. Our peace evaporated as a van pulled up in the parking lot next to us. At first the sounds from the vehicle were fine. Then their two-year old girl started… Read More
My Heart Knows Your Way after Thirteen Years
On February 2, my family and I remembered our son Zachariah who was stillborn thirteen years ago. The notes, flowers, and words of comfort we continue to receive from friends and family are precious. Thank you. When people are reminded of how long it has been, often they say, “Oh, he would have been a teenager.” Painful words of what… Read More
A 96-year-old Man’s Grief Lights Up the World
An elderly man’s grief is inspiring people around the world thanks to the work of Green Shoe Studio. Possible you are one of the millions who have already heard the story. About a month after his wife died, Fred Stobaugh wrote a love song for her, “Oh Sweet Lorraine.” He sent the lyrics in for a song contest where songwriter… Read More
Stephen Colbert’s Loving Tribute to His Mother
I have long respected Stephen Colbert’s perspective on grief. In earlier interviews, Colbert has shared insightful thoughts on grieving. Here is one example: “The interesting thing about grief, I think, is that it is its own size. It is not the size of you. It is its own size. And grief comes to you. You know what I mean? I’ve… Read More
What I Learn from Fear and Death
After hearing about the massacre of children and adults in a Connecticut elementary school, my heart ached for the families involved. The scope of their agony went beyond my imagination. In response to the killings, many parents commented about wanting to hug their children extra tight that night. While I could clearly understand why people felt that way, I realized… Read More
TEDx Talk – Beyond Closure
When we enter a space of grief, what do we need to do to return to a space of joy? Do we need closure? These are two of the questions I explore in a talk for TEDxDesMoines. I invite you to watch and share your own thoughts on how we can carry joy and grief together. Beyond Closure – The… Read More
A Young Widow’s Story of Grief and Hope
Almost six years ago, Jill’s husband died. She was 44 at the time. I do not know what it is like to be a widow. But through Jill’s stories, I am given a glimpse into that world. And generously, she is sharing her stories about love and grief with others. When discussing Closure on a radio program, I encouraged listeners… Read More
