This is what you need to know about this blog. Sometimes there will be journal entries. And sometimes there will be reflections, observations or stories about a point in time after my husband’s death. Occasionally you’ll find a combination or distillation of those. There might be recommendations that come from my experience or were made by the professionals working with my son and me.

About the latter, here’s the fine print.

To be fair and responsible with you and the brilliant and caring professionals I was fortunate to have in my life, those now retired and obscure, others well known and oft published and quoted, their recommendations are translated through my filters. I do my best to translate cleanly without spin but meaning is always extruded through our individual experiential template because in we human-types, it can’t be otherwise. I will try to remember to say, this is what I understood. If I don’t, please know it’s what I mean.

I will attempt to tender suggestions with some form of , it might be helpful to think about… Heads up!  I can’t be trusted. In spite of best attempts to offer, don’t be surprised if I barge in with a version of so, this is what I think, as a friend might. This is what I think means, I tried this and it helped.

When I’m not writing I’m a teacher, trainer, facilitator, and executive coach. In other words, I’m a trained critical and creative thinker. I’m not a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed social worker, or counselor. I don’t purport to be. I don’t want to be. Don’t come here instead of seeking out professional help. Don’t cheat yourself.

And when I’m writing, I’m still a teacher, trainer, facilitator and coach. I’ll share with you, tell you stories, make suggestions, and ask you to determine if and what applies to you. I’m hoping some wee thing you find might contribute to your healing.

Finally, if you have taken on the important role of supporting individuals slammed by the crisis of loss, you’ll find stories about those who supported me. When asked how I made it through I say I was fortunate to have people who loved me, people who believed in me, and someone who needed me. That combination made a difference. I have chronicled anecdotes about my support bench, whom I call the force field, and over time will add them here. Again, I hope they’re helpful.

If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or another, or believe someone else might, ALWAYS take steps to call for help.

Are you in crisis?

 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline