GriefSPEAK: Happy Birthday, Bobby – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A set of colored pencils next to a drawing of a yellow butterfly.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, time after time” (Cyndi Lauper) Tuesday, January 25th was my brother Bobby’s 68th birthday – his first in heaven.  Only six months since his sudden and untimely death. My plan was to bring a butterfly on a wire (so it…

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GriefSPEAK: So, this is Christmas – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A green christmas tree on a swirly background.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias “So, this is Christmas And what have you done Another year over And a new one just begun” (John Lennon) I have received several Christmas cards with letters enclosed. These letters summarize the highs, the lows, and the major happenings of the family members throughout the past year. There are births,…

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GriefSpeak: A Christmas passing blessing – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A group of people in santa hats standing in front of bushes.

By Mari Nardolillo Dias Deb texted me a few days ago. “Downward spiral. I’m scared.” I knew she was referring to her husband, loving referred to as Joe Mac. His prostate cancer had metastasized to his bones. Anyone who has experienced living with and watching a loved one die of cancer knows the highs and…

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GriefSpeak: What color is your sadness? – Mari Nardolillo Dias

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by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer “Privilege:  Having the rare opportunity to do something that brings particular pleasure.” Grief has no color. Grief has no ethnicity, race, or culture. Nor does grief belong to a social or educational class or gender. Albeit there are different beliefs, values and funereal practices associated with death, death…

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GriefSpeak: Mediums – Truth or Fiction – Mari Nardolillo Dias

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by Mari Nardolillo Dias Angela has been meeting with a medium since her husband passed. He (Charlie) often “comes through” and speaks of memories and experiences that the medium could not possibly be aware of. Last week, Angela’s medium said Charles was asking about their twins, now adults. The medium was not aware that Angela…

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GriefSpeak: The Scavenger Hunt – Mari Dias

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By: Mari Dias, contributing writer on grief and grieving “My Memories are a funny thing, they still remember you, Like a faded photograph, a [version] of the truth.” (The Complaints, lyrics by Dean Petrella) Like many, I have participated in scavenger hunts as a child. I don’t know what made me think of this, but…

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GriefSpeak: We are all living and dying – Mari Dias

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By: Mari Dias, contributing writer “Shadows are fallin’ and I’m running out of breath Keep me in your heart for a while If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less Keep me in your heart for a while…” (Warren Zevon) Live and Let Die We are all living and dying. Simultaneously.…

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GriefSpeak: Grief is Color Blind – Dr. Mari Dias

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by Dr Mari Dias, contributing writer “Privilege:  Having the rare opportunity to do something that brings particular pleasure.” Grief has no color. Grief has no ethnicity, race, or culture. Nor does grief belong to a social or educational class or gender. Albeit there are different beliefs, values and funereal practices associated with death, death itself…

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