GriefSPEAK: A loss by any name is still a loss – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A woman is standing in the woods looking at the sun.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Taryn is a 30-something foster mom.…

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GriefSPEAK: At Your Age – Mari Nardolillo Dias

An older couple running on the beach.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer “What a drag it is growing old” (Rolling Stones) I have always considered my PCP (Primary Care Practitioner) to be a colleague. For the past couple of decades we often spoke about juggling the concurrent demands of college professor and practitioner. We have a great deal in common. My…

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GriefSPEAK: Gracie. Our Gracie- Mari Nardolillo Dias

A grief-stricken brown and white dog laying in the grass.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer Photo: Gracie Lou Freebush (Miss Congeniality) June 4, 2007- October 23, 2023 “She’s a good girl, loves her mama, Loves Jesus and America too … She’s a good girl… And {she’s} free falling…” (Tom Petty) The year was 2007. My daughter of the traveling pants was away (as…

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GriefSPEAK: The living Anne Frank – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Light bokeh stock videos & royalty-free footage.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD – contributing writer It seems like a minute ago that I was cast in the role of Mrs. Van Daan in “The Diary of Anne Frank”. Our director required us to become immersed in our roles and read not just the script and the diary, but the historical articles. Anne…

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GriefSPEAK: If today were the day – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Rays of light shine through the trees in an autumn forest.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD. contributing writer “Don’t you know what matters? Stop and take a breath Don’t waste it on worry – The last breath you might have left Spent your whole life chasing – chasing dollar signs All your money and worry…won’t change we all die” (That’s What You Get lyrics by Dean…

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GriefSPEAK: The depth of a widow’s grief – Mari Nardolillo Dias

An image of a blue ocean with waves.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD. contributing writer “A widows peak was known as a sign that a woman would be an early widow. None in today’s column have a widows peak “ “Standing on the water’s edge you think you’re in control. Until she lulls you into depths no one would know… She’s so cold and…

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GriefSPEAK: Chasing the light – Mari Nardolillo Dias

An abstract image of a woman's head in the clouds.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer There are at least two ways of looking at almost everything. Including grieving the loss of a loved one. The most common triad of emotions are fear, loneliness and yearning. Sometimes grievers can get “stuck” and often lost. Grievers avoid “triggers”- a song, a smell, touch and/or photos–…

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GriefSPEAK: Looking for Liars – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A man and woman sitting at a table in a restaurant.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer Looking for Liars  (Lyrics by the Complaints and Joe Martira) I understand the loneliness that widows live with on a daily basis. Many find themselves on dating websites, looking for someone to talk with, share their day, a meal, or an adventure. This is the case of MJ.…

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