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

An image of a blue ocean with waves symbolizing grief.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD. contributing writer 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 vast, there’s no secret she can’t keep. Let me tell you about the ocean” (The Complaints and Joe Martira, “The Ocean” from “Chasing Light 2023.) In…

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GriefSPEAK: Addicted to nostalgia – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A car driving down a road with trees in the background.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD Colleen, an attractive 60-something year old woman came in for her first session this week. As she simultaneously shrugged off her coat, sat down, and balancing a  large iced coffee, she released a lengthy sigh. “I’m so thankful and relieved to have found you! It has been a long journey…

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GriefSPEAK: Your red threads – Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias

A needle with a red heart on it, symbolizing grief.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer What is the symbolism of the red thread? Legends of the red thread exist in almost every culture, philosophy, and religion.  One of the stories, based in Eastern philosophy is that when we are born, there is a red thread tied to us. It is invisible, of course,…

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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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