Can you minimize unnecessary suffering when mourning the death of a loved one? Is grief always totally disabling? What choices might we make that can help us manage the intensity and sadness? These questions go to the heart of the issue of understanding the grief process at a time when we are disorganized and in need of support. What occurs in the lives of most mourners—and it may be happening to you—is that they often are not aware of their choices, or where they should be putting their effort to ease their pain. Specifically, the search is for direction in how and what to do to face the loss, move through it, and begin a life without the loved one.

In the world we live in, people seem to be so beaten down by the everyday struggles of life. Some seem to be so tired and weary.

A tennis professional was giving a lesson to a new student of the game. After watching the student take several swings at the tennis ball, he began to suggest ways in which the strokes might be improved. But each time a suggestion was made, the student would interrupt with his own version of what was wrong and how to correct it. After several such interruptions, the Pro began to nod his head in agreement. When the lesson ended, a woman who had been watching asked the Pro: “Why did you go along with that arrogant man’s stupid suggestions?” The old “Pro” smiled and replied, “I learned a long time ago that it is a waste of time to try to sell answers to a person who just wants to buy echoes.”

Was there something that was left unsaid before your loved one died? Or was there some act that was never apologized for—perhaps an argument, an old grudge, or an outright abuse? It is difficult in most human relationships not to look back and feel sorry for something that was said or left unsaid. And, if one person is no longer there to hear that you are sorry, your grief can grind toanunbearablehalt. Youfeel as though you are weighed down by an anchor.

The batter is warming up on deck – meaning he is the next one to come to the plate to face the pitcher. The man on the pitching mound is known for sinking the dreams of wannabees - the homerun hitters who have to be willing to settle for simply getting on base and waiting to brought home by the next hitter.

A young man said, “I believe in Jesus, and I believe in heaven, but I don’t believe in the devil or hell.” How can we know what Jesus said or did? Jesus and the Devil, also heaven and hell, are found only in the Bible. Jesus said, “You come from your father, the Devil...

We should Thank the Lord for the gift of a smile, among other things, of course, like music and love, things that speak all languages and have healing powers all their own. Years ago when Bristow wasn't so heavily populated, I was on my lunch hour and I was walking down the sidewalk on the east side of Main Street.

People often experience multiple losses over a short period of time. How do we cope with these losses when they occur so close together? It may be another loss of a person you love dearly. Or it may be the loss of something different, such as the loss of a pet or the loss of a job. It is extremely difficult when a person who is grieving the death of a loved one soon loses a job and has to move away from their home or apartment because of financial stress. Multiple losses occur more frequently than most people realize and often complicate the mourning process.

Some of the most wellknown celebrities grew up in poverty. J.K. Rowling had lived in a car with her daughter, but Harry Potter has made her a multi-millionaire. Bill Cosby lived in the South Philadelphia slums with his mother and siblings. Yet, his talents brought him fame and fortune.

Are you at the point in your grief work that you would like to have that tortuous pain go away? Is it wearing you out, and you just know that you will never feel joy again? Does it seem to persist, and each day returning with that same deep feeling of emptiness?