by Gary Roe | Anxiety, Courageous Living, Death and dying, Decision-making, Depression, Emotional pain, Fear, Grief and Loss, Grief recovery, Healing, Healing from the past, Healing from trauma, Honesty and Transparency, Hospice stories, Peace, Relationships, Stress Management, Suffering and Pain, Trauma recovery
I once asked a hospice patient what his favorite season was. Without hesitation, he responded, “Football season!” It’s that time of year. You can sense it. The atmosphere is permeated with that unique Friday-night-lights, Saturday-tailgating,...
by Gary Roe | Abuse Recovery, Anxiety, Courageous Living, Decision-making, divorce recovery, Fear, Grief and Loss, Grief recovery, Guilt, Healing, Healing from the past, Healing from trauma, Hospice stories, Peace, Regret, Stress Management, Suffering and Pain, Worry
Fear. Worry. One leads to the other, and then back and forth. Life is tough. Our hearts get hit. Losses abound. If we’re not careful, fear can take up residence. Worry can paralyze us. We can’t afford that. Worry can gobble a life Larry was diagnosed with MS in...
by Gary Roe | Death and dying, Decision-making, Depression, Grief and Loss, Grief recovery, Holiday grief, Loneliness, Relationships, Stress Management
December is upon us. Ah, the holidays. Halls, houses, and lawns are decked with festive decorations. Kitchens are filled with delightful, savory aromas. The air is laced with laughter, familiar music, and the tinkling of Salvation Army bells. The holiday spirit is...
by Gary Roe | Courageous Living, Death and dying, Decision-making, Depression, divorce recovery, Emotional pain, Grief and Loss, Grief recovery, Healing, Healing from trauma, Holiday grief, Loneliness, Love, Peace, Relationships, Stress Management, Suffering and Pain, Trauma recovery
One Sunday afternoon when I was fifteen, my dad had a massive heart attack and collapsed in front of me. They resuscitated him at the hospital, but he never regained consciousness. For a week I sat by his bed and talked about anything and everything that came into my...
by Gary Roe | Anger management, Anxiety, Death and dying, Decision-making, divorce recovery, Emotional pain, Forgiveness, Grief and Loss, Grief recovery, Healing, Healing from the past, Holiday grief, Loneliness, Love, Peace, Relationships, Stress Management, Worry
Valentine’s Day can be hard, especially if you’ve lost someone. I used to think the whole Valentine’s affair was silly. Candy, chocolates, cards, and flowers. Growing up, I saw a lot of show, but little substance. Now, I see the day differently....
by Gary Roe | Abuse Recovery, Death and dying, Decision-making, Depression, divorce recovery, Emotional pain, Grief and Loss, Grief recovery, Healing, Holiday grief, Loneliness, Love, Peace, Purpose and meaning, Relationships, Service, Stress Management, Suffering and Pain
Recently, I sent out a one-question survey asking people what they struggled with most in the grief process. Out of over 400 responses, the most common answer was loneliness. Holidays can make this even worse. This time of year surfaces our losses and throws them in...
