Care for the Dying & Bereaved Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch Catholic priest who taught theology at several prestigious institutions including Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard. Following his mother’s […]
Spring Growth
Spring is officially here. The periods of rain and sun are greening things up and tiny crocuses, violets and daffodils are beginning to pop up in our gardens and yards. […]
Grief Goes to Camp
A Day for Teens with Horses at Wings of Hope Camp PEGASUS Grief Camp A Day for Pegasus The campfire around which we will soon gather is just starting to […]
A Sapper Receives Military Honors
As Spiritual Care Coordinator at Wings of Hope Hospice, I often lead “We Honor Vets” pinning ceremonies to honor military veterans at long-term care facilities. Along with patriotic music, […]
Could I Use a Support Group?
Grief is a normal and natural reaction to the loss of someone or something special. It can be one of the toughest physical and emotional challenges that we experience. The […]
Loveliness Enhanced by Debilitating Disease
The photos near her bed at the skilled nursing facility show her as robust. She was lean with sinewy muscles during her first fifty-five years. Her character was firm, too. […]
Importance of Memorial Gatherings
As a chaplain, I often encounter well-intentioned people who plan no gathering for family and friends after death occurs. A dying person may say, “Don’t go to any trouble or […]
Being a Healing Listener
Healing Listening ‘Healing listening’, a term used by both James Miller and Paul Feider in their writing and their work with individuals who are grieving, is a priceless gift you […]
Grief & Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warriors I have been especially moved lately by television commercials I have seen about wounded warriors. A poignant story is shared about a soldier who has been severely injured in the line of […]
Does Grief Have a Purpose?
Receiving the bad news Years ago, on September 5th, I got the call just before 10 p.m. My friend and skydiving instructor Dennis had been killed in an ultralight accident […]