In Grief: Thanksgiving Blessings

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. ~ Meister Eckhart

Throughout this season of gifting and giving thanks, please know that I am deeply grateful for those of you who continue looking to this blog for the information, comfort and support you need and deserve. It is my fondest wish that here you'll find some of what you are seeking. Blessings to you all, and from my heart to yours, thank you! ~ Marty T

In Grief: Coping with “Moment-of-Death Guilt”

Find the updated version of this post here:

Coping with "Moment of Death Guilt" in Grief

A reader writes: My mom passed away 28 days ago. She was very sick and I took care of her for the last 10 years - she was living with me. I never left her alone, in fact our family dynamic changed because she was our priority. She was in the hospital for 12 days and everyday I was there for 12 to 13 hours, but could't stay overnight because I have a knee injury and it was necessary to rest my leg to be ready for the next day. On November 30th the doctors told me they couldn't do much for her, just wait to see what happened during the following 24/48 hours.
That day I was there for over 12 hours and a friend came and volunteered to stay with her that night. I did not want to leave...I knew she was dying...but I was in denial. I was expecting her to get better to take her home. I left the hospital at 8 pm, but inside of me I had the urgency to tell her how much I love her, and I did before I left that night. At 12:02 my mom passed away...and this is killing me!!! Why I did not stay with her, I'm the only daughter...it was my responsibility to stay, but I was afraid and in denial. She was alone, my friend left at 11:30 pm and I wasn't there. How can I take this guilt out of my chest...if she is not here to forgive me?

Understanding and Managing Grief, July 13 - July 19, 2014

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

Forgiveness in Grief, http://j.mp/1nWtMT4 « Alive in Memory

Hope and Healing at Camp Widow, http://j.mp/1sAx5Cz « Widow's Voice

When Life Dishes Out the Unexpected – and it Always Does, http://j.mp/1mnwhZI « Ashley Davis Bush, LICSW

Understanding and Managing Grief, March 9 - March 15, 2014

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

In Grief, Try Personal Rituals, http://j.mp/1grf9TZ « The Atlantic

The 5 Major Ways Grief Changes the Whole Person, http://j.mp/OqCgmR « GriefMinisterdotcom

Grief In The News this past month, http://j.mp/1cGssQY « Hello Grief

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

Source

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.

Understanding and Managing Grief, April 28 - May 4, 2013

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

National Institute of Mental Health no longer will use DSM diagnoses in studies, http://j.mp/ZvGSYi « CBS News

Terrific post! Six-Word Stories, Statements, and Exclamations: A Journaling Exercise http://j.mp/15ePuub « What's Your Grief?

Video Broadcast of 'Breaking the Silence on Suicide,' http://j.mp/102xPT7 « KSL.com Utah

Matthew Warren's Death Prompts Reflections on Christianity and Suicide, http://j.mp/100ggS7 « Grief After Suicide Blog, via The Grief Toolbox

Guiding Principles Announced for Suicide Bereavement Support Groups in U.S., http://j.mp/18zPNMf « Grief After Suicide Blog, via The Grief Toolbox

On This Day of Giving Thanks ~

On this Thanksgiving Day ~ and throughout the holiday season, dear readers ~ please know that I am thankful for each and every one of you.  ~ Marty Tousley