We settlers call it “Thanksgiving.” They who were here before us call it “National Day of Mourning.” We remember noble natives sharing fruits and labor, a table spread, wisdom given. They remember 12 million massacred by those who feasted at their table and came wanting more. We sought our freedom at any cost. They paidContinue reading “The Grief in Our Gratitude”
Author Archives: Shea
Knowing Nothing of Grief But Your Own
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is my hero. But her five stages of grief are not. Kubler-Ross was a pioneer in the death and dying movement – bringing understanding, compassion and a sense of community to the dying and their families. She also gave us a simple explanation of the grieving process we could understand and remember. TheContinue reading “Knowing Nothing of Grief But Your Own”
Your Own Best Grief Expert
When I was a senior in high school, my best friend Sheri died in an accident. She was on a date with a young man whose car went out of control and hit a tree. Eric, the driver of the car, was severely injured in the crash. All I could think to do at theContinue reading “Your Own Best Grief Expert”
Living With Your Grief
Physical death is often regarded as the ultimate grief-striking loss – the common denominator of our species. But death is hardly the most common loss we humans endure. Some of us make it all the way to middle age without experiencing the death of an intimate or seriously contemplating the inevitability of our own physicalContinue reading “Living With Your Grief”
Outrageous Fortune
Seeing Grief From a Different Perspective Proverbial wisdom says that all good things must come to an end. In the same breath, it declares that all good things come to those who wait. Such are the contradictions of grief. Grief is a private waiting room where you sit brooding for such attendants as love, joy,Continue reading “Outrageous Fortune”
Courage to Heal
In ancient times, there was born a legend of two sea-faring dangers: Scylla and Charybdis. The two monsters dwelt on opposite shores of the Strait of Messina. They were poised to destroy anyone courageous or ignorant enough to pass between them. It was told that Scylla and Charybdis had once been strong, beautiful sea nymphsContinue reading “Courage to Heal”
It’s Grief Awareness Day
Grief comes in all shapes and sizes. Please reach out to someone you know who is suffering grief today – yourself included. “It isn’t the volume of pain that determines its impact. Silent pain can kill just as noisy pain can heal. Attune yourself to the suffering that cannot be heard. Shea Darian, from DoingContinue reading “It’s Grief Awareness Day”
Blessing the Infant Within You
An Audio Contemplation from Doing Grief in Real Life It’s been said that infants commune with angels, that babies and toddlers are protected by spiritual powers from beyond. This seems only right when one considers the vulnerability of the newborn. Angel theories aside, as an infant, your fate rests mostly in the arms of yourContinue reading “Blessing the Infant Within You”
Born Grievers, Born Healers
Creating Healing Environments for the Grieving Child Grief. It’s as much a part of us as blood and bones. We humans are grievers to the core. We love and cherish, and we lose what we love and cherish – through death, divorce, conflict, illness, injury, trauma, financial woes, loss of home or homeland… Even so,Continue reading “Born Grievers, Born Healers”
“Doing Grief in Real Life” Wins IPPY Award
Sun City Author Wins International Award I’m delighted to announce that my new book, Doing Grief in Real Life won a bronze medal in the Independent Book Publishers Association annual IPPY awards. My hometown paper, the Sun City Independent, picked up the good news. Thank you to everyone who helped me dream this book intoContinue reading ““Doing Grief in Real Life” Wins IPPY Award”