I Keep Forgetting Sandra Howlett, Ed.D. Have you ever walked into another room to get something…and by the time you got there, you can’t remember what you were going for? Or maybe you returned from Costco having spent in excess of what feels like a $100 minimum to exit…and realized that you forgot the ONE…
How Can I Convince Others I Don’t Need Special Help?
I live alone and am a ‘senior citizen’ – I am 92. I take good care of myself and am independent. My three adult children live in the state but not in Phoenix. They worry about me and want me to get one of those necklace alert buttons and said they will pay for it. …
ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors: A Guide to Practical and Legal Matters When Someone You Love Dies
ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors: A Guide to Practical and Legal Matters When Someone You Love Dies. Sally Balch Hurme. 2014. Available from AARP and Amazon.com Have you felt overwhelmed by the seemingly hundreds of decisions you faced following the death of your loved one? Some you anticipated and likely, many you had never considered.…
I Need To Be Heard
I Need To Be Heard Leslie Delp I need to be heard…. Please don’t tell me how you feel! I need to be heard…. Please don’t try to comfort me by telling me, “You’ll be better in time.” I need to be heard…. Please don’t try to pacify me by trying to ‘top it’ with a hurt…
Perfect Gifts
Perfect Gifts Sandra Howlett, Ed.D. This is the season where many people spend tremendous energy and money on gift giving. This can be stressful and worrisome in addition to the strain on your credit card. What if you had an alternative? What is the “perfect gift” and how much would it cost? There are a…
My Mother Died Two Years Ago and Our Family Has Fallen Apart
My mother died two years ago and our family has fallen apart. I rarely talk to my siblings anymore and we have not all been together since mom’s funeral. Our dad died a long time ago but this is awful as I don’t feel like I have a family anymore. – Christianne Dear Christianne, Please…
Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant: A Memoir
Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant: A Memoir. Roz Chast. 2014. On first glance, this looks like a comic strip in a bound book. The format is called a graphic memoir and it is hand drawn and hand written throughout, lending to the authentic feel of an adult only child with aging parents.…
“Six Simple Weeks” Grief Support Series
The Six Simple Weeks grief support series will meet Tuesday afternoons on November 4, 11, 18, 25 and December 2 & 9 from 3:00pm – 4:30pm at the Hansen Mortuary at 8314 N. 7th Street. There is limited space so please call to reserve your place — 602-944-1561.
A Time of ‘Firsts’
A Time of ‘Firsts’ Sandra Howlett, Ed.D. The year following the death of a loved one is filled with ‘firsts’. There are the obvious ones like holidays, anniversaries and birthdays. While they are big and the build up can be very emotional and painful, these predictable days also afford an opportunity to plan and prepare.…
Moving Forward: Coping with a Loss
Both my parents died in the past three years and I have a very hard time with Mothers day and Fathers day. It just reminds me of all I have lost. Most of my friends still have living parents so they don’t understand. How can I get over this? – Roberta Dear Roberta, I DO…