In Grief: What's Age Got To Do With It?

If you were 12 years old, no one would believe it odd that you would grieve the loss of your mom, so why do we assume it is easier 50 years later?  Those 50 additional years carry even more shared memories.  ~ Kenneth Doka

A reader writes: I am writing because I had a negative interaction with a store clerk about the death of my mother and I am stunned at how sensitive I am to the insensitivity of strangers. I need some kind of reality check.

Understanding and Managing Grief, April 7 - April 13, 2019

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

What not to say to a bereaved person, http://j.mp/2P8tPxo « AK Lander

Recognizing The Vital Role of Hospice Volunteers, http://bit.ly/2IZUOHk « Grief Healing

My Sudden-Onset Only Child Syndrome, http://j.mp/2uWWvAt « Modern Loss

Caregiving and Grief in Alzheimer's and Dementia: Suggested Resources

Grief is the constant yet hidden companion of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.  ~ Kenneth J. Doka

A hospice colleague writes: We are preparing a program on issues of caring for those with dementia (and their caregivers) who are bereaved, as well as caring for the bereaved whose loved ones had dementia. If you find any relevant material on these issues, I would appreciate anything you can share.

Caregiving and Hospice, March 31 - April 6, 2019

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

Hospice of the Valley program offers the dying solace, companionship, http://j.mp/2OPX1t8 « AZCentral

Growing Old Is Better With a Pet. Here's Why, http://j.mp/2uNs2oa « TIME

Palliative Care instead of “pseudomedicine” for dementia? http://j.mp/2OBYNh9 « CaregivingOldGuy.website

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below. If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Understanding and Managing Grief, March 31 - April 6, 2019

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

Out of Grief Comes Spirit, http://j.mp/2OT5Gel « The Grief Dialogues

Did my child die because I lacked faith? http://j.mp/2ORwlYR « emotionally naked

3 Suicides Last Month Connected to School Shootings, http://j.mp/2OUdywg  « Seven Ponds Blog

When Grief Affects Performance At Work

Image by athree23 on Pixabay

Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.  ~ Fred Rogers

A reader writes: This past year was a very difficult one for me and my family.   My father was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed 7 months later. The day he died my mother-in-law was hospitalized and a few days later we found out she had stage 4 cancer and had only a few months left. She died 2 months later. I took one month compassionate care leave to look after my father and two bereavement leaves, and most of the year I was in a fog. It was very difficult to watch my father suffer over several months before he passed away at home.

Caregiving and Hospice, March 24 - March 30, 2019

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

Jacqueline Marcell - Elderly Patient Care, http://j.mp/2Ov9cLK « Throomers

I Hear You, But I Don't Understand, http://j.mp/2OqXEsN « BK Books

Alex Trebek, Cancer, and the Language of Life-Limiting Illness, http://j.mp/2OoyzyJ « Seven Ponds Blog

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below. If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Understanding and Managing Grief, March 24 - March 30, 2019

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

How To Talk To Your Kids About Death And Grief, http://j.mp/2OxehTR « HuffPost Australia

'Stay Strong,' And Other Useless Drivel We Tell The Grieving, http://j.mp/2FITl9q « Cognoscenti

Out of Grief Comes Community, http://j.mp/2FKuja7 « Grief Dialogues Blog

Pet Loss: Was My Cat Saying Goodbye?

A reader writes: This past weekend, my Puff (14+year-old cat) left this world and went to a better place. The other day she kissed my face all over and then licked my neck--with such gusto too--a contrast to how she became as she got older, blind and not able to stand. I think a 2-day heat wave contributed to her demise--but she hasn't been herself for months. The vet figures it was a neurological problem such as a brain tumor, or stroke--like my late but great grandma would say, "whatever it was, it wasn't good"-- the time had come.

Caregiving and Hospice, March 17 - March 23, 2019

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

The Demand for Hospice Care Is Increasing, http://j.mp/2WevnZ7 « Seven Ponds Blog

Three Magical Phrases to Comfort a Dying Person, http://j.mp/2Wf2AUf « Human Parts

This Podcast Begins at the End, http://j.mp/2TSqmsE « Modern Loss