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Editor’s Note: AfterTalk’s posts on grieving have been mostly based on Western traditions and Judeo-Christian values. This week and next we are posting articles offering Hindu and Buddhist discussions of the grieving process. How to make room for other people’s grief: A pandemic-era guide from the… At the workplace, the grocery store or in conversation, […]
Continue ReadingEditor’s Note: I came upon this extraordinary documentary from PBS, and felt that it was appropriate just as we as a nation hit the 600,000 mark in COVID-19 deaths. I encourage you to visit the Speaking Grief website for its many resources beyond this documentary. https://speakinggrief.org/ Speaking Grief explores the transformative experience of losing a […]
Continue ReadingFor Father’s day, I couldn’t think of a more eloquent statement of love and respect for a father than Meghan’s eulogy of her father–LL Meghan McCain at the National Cathedral, Washington, DC For video, click HERE “The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for, and I hate very much to leave […]
Continue ReadingWhen Grief and Coronavirus Collide BY MARY JANE HURLEY BRANT When Grief and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) collide, we feel like we’ll collapse. The Coronavirus is not only serious, it’s a pandemic. Like grief, COVID-19 is powerful, persistent and painful; it makes us fearful. Grief has already made us more vulnerable so this is a rough combination. […]
Continue ReadingHow To Write a Bereavement Leave Letter by Jessica Fender In times of global pandemic, it became challenging to pay a last in-person tribute to the ones you’ve lost. However, the current state of affairs with COVID-19 is getting better. Lifting of travel and gathering restrictions gives people a chance to be present at funerals […]
Continue ReadingSummer’s End STORY BY TATUM SCHROEDER In my youth, summer swept in She planted a flower for me over yonder On the hill where I watch for the dawn— Where bleached bliss and sanitized memories will one day ponder. In those days the sun was bright No fear of famine or drought No […]
Continue ReadingEditor’s note regarding When Families Say “We’ll Have a Service Later”: I thought this was relevant for many, not just those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, but to those unable to conduct a traditional funeral. I recently lost an extraordinary friend, and had to experience yet another Zoom memorial service, and Zoom […]
Continue ReadingEDITOR: This post comes from our friends at Edubirdie. Their post includes an excellent compendium of resources not included here. To access their post, click the image right below this. Adult life is a Adult by David Kidwell Adult life rollercoaster. It’s full of challenges, unexpected events, and heartbreaking news. Standing on the edge of […]
Continue ReadingHow does grief affect the mind and body? Julia Bochenski Editor’s Note: This article comes to us from Ashes Memorial Jewelry, an idea that has long intrigued me. In their words: “As for the memorial jewelry, we work in three different ways. The first is to imprint the ashes onto the metal, the second is […]
Continue ReadingExploring the Natural Complications of the “WHYs” of Funerals During the Coronavirus Pandemic by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Editor’s note regarding The Whys of Funerals: I thought this was relevant for many, not just those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, but to those unable to conduct a traditional funeral. I recently lost […]
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