GriefSPEAK: Irish Eyes – Mari Nardolillo Dias

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer on grief and grieving The literature states that the most common time of death is between 2am and 5am. Not so for Margaret. It seems she had a plan. As the matriarch of a large Irish family of thirty-nine children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: the most recent 3…

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GriefSPEAK: Death ends a life, not a relationship- Mari Nardolillo Dias

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer By: Dr. Mari Dias “The Waiting is the hardest part Every day you see one more yard You take it on faith, you take it to the heart The waiting is the hardest part (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Hard Promises, 1981) (Names and locations changed to preserve…

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GriefSPEAK: Collectively, we grieve – Mari Nardolillo Dias

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer We board a bus we board a plane. In some cases, we have only a name. Of the one behind the steering wheel. With only a voice we know that they’re real. On faith we’re in their capable hands Not really knowing all of God’s plans.  Safe travels…

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GriefSPEAK: The Ransom Note – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A close up of the words on paper

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer, grief and grieving Here’s to the ones that we got. Cheers to the wish you were here, but you’ve not “Cause the drinks bring back all the memories. And the memories bring back, memories bring back you” (Maroon5) – The Ransom Note I heard the news today, oh…

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GriefSPEAK: Write your name on your body – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Purple and brown blurred background.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer on grief and grieving They said, “Write your name on your body with waterproof indelible ink.” You know, in case you go missing during a hurricane. It will help them identify us quickly. Many have tattoos that provide a hint of who we are/were. Perhaps a friend or…

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GriefSPEAK: Black fascination – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Pallbearers carrying a floral-covered coffin.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer “Excuse my black fascination. Can you hold a thought of final destination? …Please don’t mind my temptation, excuse my black fascination.” Dean Petrella (Distractions). Death is the last ‘bad” word. Many are terrified of the thought of dying; some look forward to the transition. Looking forward to seeing…

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GriefSPEAK: Freedom or fear – Mari Nardolillo Dias

loneliness

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer, grief and grieving “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go Downtown…” -Petula Clark, “Downtown” (1964) The surgeon general has declared an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. In fact, Dr. Ruth was named the loneliness ambassador before her passing. Loneliness is not…

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GriefSPEAK: Ashes, ashes… – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Person holding urn, candles, flowers.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer on grief and grieving “Ashes, ashes, we all fall down” (Ring Around the Rosie) Rhoda took the urn, which contained her mother’s ashes, and put it in the back of a closet. One that she would never use. Never open. She just could not look at it. Did…

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