GriefSPEAK: So, speak easy – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Two speech bubbles hanging on an orange background.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias  “… So, speak easy   Speak easy from the start  … no need to be so harsh  If you want to get through to me – Speak easy… When you listen to reply  But not to understand  You talk over me like it’s  an upper hand  We’re gonna get nowhere  … seems…

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GriefSPEAK: The seasons of our passing – Mari Nardolillo Dias

The great smoky mountains in autumn.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer Updated in 2023 as fall is upon us and the seasons pull at our emotions, sadness, and, inevitably renewal… It was a cold January that year. Julie’s husband Sam, her life-long love and soul mate was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and passed shortly after at the…

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GriefSPEAK: If Only – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A sunrise over the mountains with clouds in the background.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias …”I need to know that things are gonna look up Cuz I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup When there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head When you feel the world shake from the words that are said And I’m calling…

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GriefSPEAK:  A nice long whiff of memory- Mari Nardolillo Dias

A woman talking on her cell phone in a perfume store.

By Mari Nardolillo Dias She was the seventh person in line at the local Walgreens, burdened with an armful of purchases. Her intention was to run in and grab a few items – dog treats, a tweezer, some Vitamin D gummies, and a box of protein bars, so no need for a basket or carriage.…

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GriefSPEAK: Objects of our affection – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A wooden box full of tools on a wooden background.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD Giana saved the plastic bags from her elementary school lunches. Her mom would always wrap her sandwiches in sandwich bags, which Giana would save and collect. Five a week. Twenty a month if there were no holidays. 20 a month for approximately 10 months. 200 sandwich bags a year. Early…

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GriefSPEAK: What do Easter and Grief have in common? – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A gift basket with a teddy bear in it.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer According to Fr. Michael Rennier, “On a day like Easter, the world is brimming over with new life. Megan Devine adds: “The language of death and resurrection is going to find its way to your ears. Despite your religious beliefs, everyone knows the story of Easter. Jesus is crucified…

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GriefSPEAK: The world goes round and round – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Tulips and pansies in london.

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer Death is associated with a lot of little losses. Heather’s husband recently passed, and she speaks of the series of losses. “The first day after the funeral, the lack of laundry caused me to sob uncontrollably. Preparing a dinner for one was devastating. Every little task is a reminder…

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