Sunday, March 2, 2014

Understanding and Managing Grief, February 23 - March 1, 2014

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Thanks for the moments we danced. Thanks for the little while.  ~ Darcie D. Sims

On Thursday, February 27, 2014 we were shocked and saddened to learn that our precious Darcie Sims had died in her home in Puyallup, Washington. Described by those who love her as mother, wife, grandmother, educator, leader, rose-colored glasses wearer, smile-on-a-stick carrier, and friend, Darcie was one of a kind. She had a heart as big as a mountain, a sense of humor that rivaled Erma Bombeck's, and the ability to speak, write and teach about grief that captivated her audience, her readers and anyone fortunate enough to be in her presence. We're happy that she has exchanged her earthly address for a Heavenly one, but our hearts are broken in her absence, and we know this world will never be the same without her. We are so grateful to have known you, dear Darcie, if only for a little while.

I want to share with you the following tribute, posted on Facebook by Alan Pedersen, Interim Executive Director of The Compassionate Friends:

Today our hearts are broken, our dear friend Darcie Sims has died. Darcie was my mentor, but the story of how she affected my life could be echoed by thousands of others in the TCF family whose lives have been equally touched by her incredible gift of loving guidance.

This woman was simply in a league of her own in the world of grief education. Darcie’s ability to take the complex subject of grief and simplify it so that all could easily understand it made her the best at what she does. Her books, videos, workshops, and radio and television work have helped tens of thousands of people find hope on their grief journey.

Darcie has been a true friend to TCF. She has served our organization as a chapter leader and as a member of our National Board of Directors. Her willingness to give was extraordinary as she returned to many national and regional conferences over the years to speak and present workshops for us.

Today we offer our heartfelt condolences to Tony, Darcie’s sidekick and the man behind the curtain keeping the Darcie Sims show on the road all of these years. We offer our condolences to Allie and Greg and to the junior Ms. Darcie. Oh how Darcie loved and adored her family.

Those of us who have had the honor of knowing Darcie will never forget this amazing woman. She was a superstar in our world, and though we loaned her out to the rest of the world, there was no doubt that she was “our” superstar. Darcie was one of us, she listened to our stories, she felt our pain, she walked our walk, she was Big A’s mom.

Darcie left you and I many treasures, she taught each of us how to laugh and cry at the same time, she taught us that we all grieve differently and the best gift we give each other is the gift of tolerance. Darcie left us the gift of her wonderful memories.

Many of us are in great pain today; it hurts deeply as we try to wrap our minds around such a profound loss to our TCF family. I know Darcie would want us to take the time to grieve and be sad for our loss today…but I am betting she would also want us to take a moment to remember that she lived…and oh boy did she live. So, as the tears come, grab a roll of toilet paper and stick it in your pocket, at your next TCF meeting remember to touch knees with the person next to you….and as you do these things…look upward to where Darcie is once again holding her precious Big A and say…. “Thanks, For The Little While.”

We’re going to miss you sweet friend,
Alan Pedersen,
TCF Interim Executive Director
www.compassionatefriends.org

You can share your own memories on Facebook at www.facebook.com/darcie.sims.9 or via email at remember@griefinc.com.

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Media's Relationship with Death and Bereavement, http://j.mp/1dDUpnn « Grief Connect

Living with grief: A conversation between men, http://j.mp/MoCB8u « CBS News

If Life Is Difficult, What About Grief? http://j.mp/1cfYlu9 « Grief Healing Blog

Mindfulness – Our Sixth Sense: Responding to Stress, http://j.mp/1ki422K « eHospice
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