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Lori Dettler remembers her younger brother, David Roy, as someone who was always smiling. He was funny, full of advice, and deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren. When David was diagnosed with glioblastoma, Lori and her family knew that time together would soon become their most precious gift. After receiving a late-stage diagnosis, David…
This time of year, we are inundated with suggestions for changes we can make to greatly improve our lives in the new year. New Year’s resolutions to improve our health and surroundings may be useful and even beneficial. However, if you are among those who have experienced the loss of a loved one during this past year, the…
It is not uncommon for people to question whether they or someone they know is depressed after the death of a loved one. For most people, the emotional, mental and physical symptoms experienced after a death can be attributed to normal grief. However, this is not always the case. It is important to understand the…
From the very moment we enter this world, we are exposed to new people, things and experiences. Life is new—every day. And for most of us, when life is lost, that’s new too. No matter the age, the loss can evoke feelings of sadness, helplessness and even anger. But for children in particular, the loss…
by Janna Benson Kontz, MDiv Grief and guilt often walk hand in hand. When we grieve the death of someone, our minds go to places we wish they wouldn’t travel. We ask ourselves, “Could I have done more? Why didn’t I do more? Why didn’t I tell them I loved them? Did I love them…
by Kriston Wenzel, LBSW, CT The death of a life partner often leads to loneliness. It’s natural to feel lonely; it’s part of the grieving process. Part of normal human emotion is wanting to feel connected to another person again in a way that is unique to a partner. There is no right or wrong…
by Jennifer Messelt, LMSW, LGSW Adults often question how or even if children should be involved when a loved one is dying. What do you tell children? Should kids attend a funeral following a death? Death and grieving are natural components of the life process, but sometimes our own worries and uncertainties about dying influence…
by Heather Larson, LSW, CT When it comes to grief, we often think of the loving relationship we had with the person who died, and the deep sadness and longing we feel when they are gone. But what happens when the relationship was not so good? What happens when we don’t feel sad or long…
by Kriston Wenzel, LBSW, CT We struggle to know what to do when a friend loses a loved one through death. We want to say the right thing and hope in so doing, we’ll be able to “take the pain away.” However, that’s not how grief works. There are no “right words,” and the pain cannot “go…
by Jennifer Messelt, LMSW, LGSW In my 14 years as grief specialist at HIA Hospice, I’ve sat across from many grieving spouses. It’s been a privilege and honor to journey alongside them during their first year of grief. Through these interactions, I have learned about the grief reactions bereaved spouses have experienced. I’ve also learned the types…