GriefSpeak: Recognize Mercy – Dr. Mari Dias

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By: Dr. Mari Dias Mercy – “Having a capacity and compassion to forgive and show kindness.” There is no question that the last year has been rife with psychological issues. We have all experienced loss: loss of touch, freedom, personal peace, freedom of expression, worship and loss of a loved one. During the initial lockdown,…

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GriefSpeak: Dirty Laundry (Reprise) – Dr. Mari Dias

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By: Dr. Mari Dias Sadie and Andy discussed the pandemic a year ago, each in agreement that at this stage of their lives it was unfair. They weren’t living. They were simply existing. The stay-at-home order was not on their bucket list. They had plans – big travel plans. While waiting for a bright spot…

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GriefSpeak: “Let it be – me” – Dr. Mari Dias

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By Dr. Mari Dias, contributing writer “Let it be me” (Beatles) I was an adult before I realized that Valentine’s Day was not celebrated by everyone. Many avoid this day. Because their hearts are broken. Not surrounded by cupids and arrows but rather a crack down the middle. We don’t celebrate broken hearts. We grieve…

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GriefSpeak: Memories of my Grandmother – Dr. Mari Dias

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By: Dr. Mari Dias So many people tug at me in my dreams. Most recently it has been my grandmother (Nanny). Her visit is rare but persistent.  I think she wants me to write about her.  And her poem.  Once she garners my attention, she performs an encore of a familiar poem from her childhood…

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GriefSpeak: The Midnight Cry – Dr. Mari Dias

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By: Dr. Mari Dias Krista was five years old when her father first put the needle in her arm. He wanted her to experience how heroin made one feel. Dad also took Krista along on his drug deals and shortly thereafter began to offer her in trade for a hit. Fast forward 25 years. Krista…

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GriefSpeak: A Perfect Storm (reprise) – Dr. Mari Dias

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By: Dr. Mari Dias I read the news today, oh boy (The Beatles) Four years ago, many of my clients were grieving the loss of an election. Their grief manifested itself as sadness and in some cases fear and despair. They were hopeful that we would have Hilary Clinton as the first female president. Of…

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GriefSpeak: The Emperor’s New Clothes

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Reposted by popular demand By: Mari Dias, GriefSpeak, contributing writer We are living in a world fraught with a minefield of words. It’s almost impossible to avoid them, but I will try, as I zigzag through the mire of nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Although I prefer to be mute today, I will rally – as…

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GriefSpeak: My Dad’s Chalice – by Dr. Mari Dias

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By: Dr. Mari Dias We buried the first mortician’s daughter last week (see RINewsToday, GriefSpeak ”Like a drop of dew”, May 15, 2020). My first thought was: “I need to get dad’s chalice.” When my father died in February of 2003, my family purchased an intricately carved silver and gold chalice for the priest to…

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GriefSpeak: Still Standing

RINewsToday

By: Dr. Mari Dias 2020 was a year of loss for many. We individually and collectively grieved the loss of loved ones who died, alone in the hospital, without a wake or funeral. In addition, many of you are still grieving the loss of touch, independence, identity, school, political stability, and family. For many, this…

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