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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GriefSPEAK: Happy belated Birthday, America! – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A grief-stricken American flag is gracefully floating in the water.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias “…What’s that I smell in the air? The American Dream” (Miss Saigon) Happy Birthday to America! (She, her, hers). America turned 247 years old this week amidst torrential rains. I can hear the belated fireworks now, several days later.  Many feel she has survived but is currently in the intensive care…

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GriefSPEAK: Faith conquers all, including grief – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Stained glass art - stained glass art fine art print.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer on grief and grieving From the desk of Deborah Manzo McDonald: “My son JoJo died 7 years ago from an accidental overdose. How do you measure a year? 525,600 minutes? How can it be 7 years without him? Three million, six hundred seventy-nine thousand two hundred minutes? Counting those minutes…

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GriefSPEAK: Does knowing the details ease our grief – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A close up image of blue water in the ocean.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer Grievers often need an explanation of a sudden death. The belief (although perhaps irrational, in many situations) is based on that “knowing of the details” will ease the numbness, the surreality. Help them exhale. Manage their grief. The woman who believes that the “knowing” all the details of…

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GriefSPEAK: Empty Arms – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A blurry image of people sitting in a waiting room.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer Kara came home from Women and Infants Hospital with empty arms. Her pregnancy with her baby girl, Martha, seemed normal, according to ultrasounds. She was at thirty weeks when her OB thought Kara looked dehydrated and pale. He sent her to a local hospital who didn’t see anything…

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