2023 April Olive Garden Luncheon
We had a nice crowd at the Olive Garden. It was fun getting out and getting to meet new friends.
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Events
2023 SFL 2nd Annual Christmas Party
This is the 2nd annual Christmas party for our Surviving From Loss group. Click the photo first and then CLICK HERE to see the photos from the event. This year, we began inviting our widowers to the party, and we all had a great time. These two groups of people are exceptional and blend so well together. The party was held for the second year at the beautiful home of Peter and Sasha Lotze. The food was delicious, and everyone enjoyed themselves. While at the event this year, we asked the widows and widowers to
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Events
2023 HIGH TEA EVENT
The concept of the High Tea was to provide these widowed ladies a place to connect and allow them to feel the importance they are to society. So many widows are left at home or shut in and feel abandoned. We have taken all of those feelings away. We help them remember the highlights of their past while enjoying the fellowship of others. This will become an annual event. To see photos of the event, click anywhere on the photo to be taken to the gallery.
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Events
October 2022 Lifeline Chaplaincy, Compassionate Touch Event
The Lifeline Chaplaincy event is an annual fundraiser for Lifeline and Compassionate Touch. The work they do helps people around the world. Our widows were invited to attend the event, and it was spectacular. To see images from the event, click this link.
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Events
When You Feel Hope Is Lost
When You Feel Hope Is Lost I heard this story a few days ago and wanted to share it with you as a story of encouragement. What do you do when all hope is lost, the pressure mounts, you lose it all overnight, the foreclosure of your home, the repossession of your car, and the food pantry is your only food source? It did for this lady when you thought it could not worsen. Statistics show that many widows and widowers suffer financially after losing a spouse—especially widows. I believe you will find the
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Emotional Health, Grief
The Martha Brasell Story
THE STRENGTH OF ENDLESS LOVE The Dave and Martha Brasell Story Written by Charles Foster THE STRENGTH OF ENDLESS LOVE… The Dave and Martha Story by Charles Foster Sometimes, you are introduced to people and feel you have known them forever. This unique connection was the case with a special lady named Martha. One of our business partners had been friends with Martha for years, and one day, while looking for a healthier lifestyle, Martha decided to join our company. We met Martha and knew from our first conversation that there was something special
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Life Stories
Lack Of Faith Of The Unknown
Lack Of Faith Of The Unknown We see our biggest problem today as social distancing, or is it? We all feel separated, lonely, isolated, and out of control. We hear of the horrific deaths of our senior citizens and fear leaving our homes or getting within six feet of another person. We are now told to wear protective masks, and gloves sanitize our hands to avoid contact with delivery drivers. The question is, what do we do about this problem, which is causing an isolated America? Are we just looking at the problem we are
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Faith
Experience Loss? Not Ready? Now Is The Time.
Experience Loss? Not Ready? Now Is The Time. THESE ARE THE STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE Losing a loved one is tragic, no matter how it happens. Unfortunately, when you experience loss, knowledge is power. There are critical steps to take to ensure protection from the legal system. In my book, “The Surviving Spouse Club,” on page 236, I have written with considerable detail about each of these 39 unique documents you need at hand at the time of loss. Not having these documents could cost you a lot of money in your time of
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Emotional Health, Faith, Financial, Grief, Life Stories, Relationships
Father’s Day Is Not Fun When You Have Lost Your Father
Father’s Day Is Not Fun When You Have Lost Your Father Day-to-day life in America is becoming increasingly disturbing, even with Father’s Day approaching. With all the anxiety and stress revealed on the nightly news, no wonder our sense of normality is all but gone. So many in our country have lost dads and husbands because of unexpected violence that this Father’s Day, there will be a lot of emptiness at the dinner table. Father’s Day, when everyone celebrates Father’s, which represents one-half of the strength of the family unit, will not be a celebration
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Emotional Health, Grief
Working From Home
Working From Home How many of you are working from home? What I have found best is to begin each workday early. This is easier said than done when your big, warm, soft bed calls you to sleep in. When you commuted to an office, you knew you had to allow time for traffic, parking, etc, yet you planned it. It was just part of doing your job. Working from home can be more challenging because of a lack of structure. It is less challenging if you plan your tomorrow before the end of today.
The Anatomy Of A Family Pandemic
The Anatomy Of A Family Pandemic Families around the world today face pandemic situations when a health pandemic sweeps the globe, which for many feels like the unexplainable, uncontrollable emotion a family feels when losing a loved one. The Kubler-Ross model of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are all emotions that surface during such situations, yet there is no particular order or timing of these emotions. We have known about these five specific emotional responses since Kubler-Ross published their book on death and dying in 1969. The year 2020 may go down as the
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Grief
Creating Calm During Times Like These
Creating Calm During Times Like These Unlike at any other time in our history, we witness extraordinary events. Many of you have lost your spouse, and others are afraid of losing a loved one because of the unknown of what you are being told in the media. Worry and fear are natural reactions, often caused by your lack of control. Information is essential, but the 24/7 news cycle, whose job is to keep you in a state of panic, is causing fear and unrest. If you turn it off, your stress will immediately be reduced.
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Emotional Health
The Song, Even If, By “MercyMe” Will Bring You Peace
The Song, Even If, By “MercyMe” Will Bring You Peace Everyone has bad days. Widows and Widowers know this well. Twenty-three years ago, my wife died. Some days, it seems like 23 years have just happened. Other days seem like a lifetime ago. No matter what day you have today, countless others are experiencing bad days. Like you, they experience fear, sleeplessness, anxiety, unbelief, defeat, and hopelessness. I do not know who will read this post and listen to the beautiful words and testimony of “MercyMe.” I don’t know if your faith relies on what
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Emotional Health
Tell Your Heart To Beat Again
Tell Your Heart To Beat Again I heard this song by Phillips, Craig & Dean and read the story behind the song. I thought this story and song would bring comfort to all of us who are hurting and give us hope for the future. Pastors come in all shapes and sizes, and their temperaments are different, this pastor is high adrenaline type A, jumping out of airplanes, bungee jumping, motorcycle riding, and all that. He talked to one of his members, a surgeon, to allow him to be in the room during open-heart surgery.
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Relationships
Considering Dating Again? Move Forward With Caution.
CONSIDERING DATING AGAIN? MOVE FORWARD WITH CAUTION A CLIENT ASKED ME THIS? I am a divorced woman dating a widower whose wife was a close friend. Our relationship has moved from friendship to something more personal. We have not said love but enjoy each other’s company and feel comfortable together. I no longer live in the same town, but he called me and asked me to come for a visit. He seemed to be doing well and said he wanted to see me. When I arrived, I noticed he still had all her clothes and
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Relationships
Three Of The Top Ten Steps To Begin The Grief Process
Three Of The Top Ten Steps To Begin The Grief Process TRUTH TIME – You have suffered a loss; it is okay to admit that fact. You may think this to be a ridiculous comment, but until you can face the truth, you cannot heal. You cannot fix what you have not acknowledged. BUDDY UP – This is your accountability partner, who is critical in the healing process. Someone to help keep you on track. Listen to wise advice. Choose a trusted friend, someone you can trust to place your best interest before their own.
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Grief
Valentine’s Day Is Approaching, Some Surviving Spouse Suggestions
Valentine’s Day Is Approaching. Some Surviving Spouse Suggestions We are less than a month away from Valentine’s Day; what is one of the year’s most romantic days according to the calendar? Some discover that just because the calendar, florist, restaurants, and gift shops see Valentine’s Day as romantic, you may dread the word, seeing it on billboards and TV and hearing others talking about it. What was once a special day for you has now become a nightmare. Your Valentine has died, and celebrating now feels out of place. This day only reminds you of
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Relationships
As A Widow, It May Feel Like A Second Death
As A Widow, It May Feel Like A Second Death No one wants to think about losing their spouse. Today, Men and women enjoy their lives and avoid the “What if” question. This becomes a problem because most men or women who find themselves without their spouses may discover they are unprepared mentally, emotionally, and financially. The reality is in today’s world; women are over three times as likely as men to lose a spouse. The average age of a widow is between 55 to 59. Many women marry men much older than themselves, which
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Financial
Helping Your Child Who Lost A Friend
Helping Your Child Who Lost A Friend Most adults have experienced a loss of some type during their lifetime. Depending on the relationship, losing friends or family members is very uncomfortable to express. Now, put yourself in the position of a child or young adult. They may have witnessed death on television, but the experience is different when the death is someone they know personally. THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP IS IMPORTANT AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE When young adults of any age face the death of someone they know, the trauma can shake them to their
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Grief, Relationships