Words from the Heart

Photo Credit: By Marcusmoseley (Own work)  [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Our guest blogger is Suzie Kolber, writes for a much needed resource - ObituariesHelp.org .   The following are some thoughts about how to express words of condolence. How to Express Condolences to Someone You Love  It is customary to send condolences to the bereaved when someone dies, but sending condolences to someone you love, someone you’re extremely close to can be a difficult task. When sending condolences to a person or family that you didn’t know so well, the emotional impact is not so intens e; you are sad for them, but not overwhelmingly so. But if it’s a close family or friend to whom you’re expressing your sympathies, the feelings are much stronger. It can be quite difficult to sit down and write that heartfelt expression without being overcome with emotions yourself. The following article mentions some things to keep in mind when expressing condolences to close fam...

Image via Wikipedia It never ceases to amaze me how a few kind words can heal even the most grievous wounds.    "I'm sorry."  "Forgive me." "I'm here." "I love you." Simple phrases, easy to say, that sometimes, we say them without thinking.  However, when we take the time to look into the eyes of another human, saying with all our heart these phrases, healing happens. Take for example the healing that Nelson Mandela brought to his country through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which gave South Africans a tool to forgive; thereby, giving them the opportunity to create a new life in South Africa. Interestingly, the words, "I'm sorry, forgive me," and "I love you" are seldom said to the one person who needs to hear them the most...ourselves! When was the last time you looked in the mirror and said, "Forgive me," or, "I love you?"    It's not easy.  We feel foolish.  We don'...

Many subjects are taboo, even though commonsense tells us that talking about them should help us to cope. As a writer, educator and mother, I believe we must speak about the unspeakable for it is by sharing our pain and sorrow that we heal.   Today, I have the honor of sharing the thoughts and advice of Madeline Sharples, a talented poet and memoirist who began writing as a means to find comfort and understanding after the diagnosis of her eldest son’s bipolar disorder. Later, in 1999 after his death, she turned once again writing as a means of healing and comfort. Her book, Leaving the Light On is a touching memoir of Madeline’s journey with Paul. She candidly and honestly shares the strain of living with mental illness, as well as the grief and guilt experienced by survivors of suicide. Leaving the Light On is a testament to healing after the death of a child as well as the strength it takes to move forward. I remember seeing the back of my mother’s head in the ...

Image via Wikipedia October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which unless you live in the middle of the most remote area of the country, devoid of phone, cable, cell, computer and any other electronic devices that might connect you to the world, is something most everyone knows, even little kids. Nine years ago, I wrote an article for the local newspaper in the town I lived in explaining how we need to wake up and stop acting so Victorian about our bodies.  ( Click here to read that article.) Three years ago, I wrote a blog post on the subject, which you can find here .  In it, I gave several links to resources for those who wanted to educate themselves on how to care for themselves and their breasts. This year, I am proud to be part of a month long event ( A Blanket Tour ) with Women on Writing.  Each day this month, you can read articles celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Each post is a unique voice discussing some aspect of breast c...