Advocacy, autism, children, Communication, Family, inspiration, Mental Health, parenting, Photography, Writing

Four Points: Speaking with a Child about the Unimaginable

I saw the tears in Daddy's eyes, and Hayes hugged his Papa. For my father to acknowledge Hayes's losses was a powerful moment for both of them. Another adult, besides his parents, verbally spoke with him about his losses.

Advocacy, Art, children, Family, inspiration, Life, parenthood, Photography, Writing

The Three Cs in Growth through Grief

Friends on social media share the happy pictures of their children all of the time. Now, I can either drink two bottles of wine and feel the full weight of envy, or I can celebrate the life of my daughter by making somber places beautiful. I can make them look like the joy and happiness Corrie brought to my life.

Advocacy, bereavement, Family, flowers, Grief, Holiday, inspiration, kindness, Photography, Photos, Poetry, Writing

Fill Up the Empty Chair for Thanksgiving

Some say empty chairs remain empty all around tables in remodeled kitchens with the island where someone's son ate breakfast. A bar stool sits empty. I arranged flowers this morning for Corrie's room, her spot at the table, and a centerpiece. "Remember me" is a common thought of some who read Bibles and then wonder… Continue reading Fill Up the Empty Chair for Thanksgiving

Advocacy, children, Family, Grief, inspiration, kindness, Life, Loss, parenthood, Photography, Photos

Stepping on the Jelly Fish

In the book, Healing A Parent's Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas by Alan Wolfelt wrote: "In the United States alone, more than 100,000 children die each year."

children, garden, inspiration, Photography, Photos

Corrie’s Garden and Her Flowers at Sunset

Corrie's Memorial Garden will be located to the right of the porch. These flowers were at the cemetery for about one week, and I brought them home. They were not doing well at the time I brought them home, and they are doing so much better. Her turkey is still there even of my grandmother… Continue reading Corrie’s Garden and Her Flowers at Sunset

garden, Photography, Photos

Mountain Laurel Buds

Corrie loved to pick the Mountain Laurels. The buds from the Mountain Laurel are peaking. Corrie loved to pick flowers from this bush.

Family, garden, kindness, Life, marriage, parenting, Photography, Photos

What Can We Do about Grief?

When it comes to grief, my husband, John, and I take action.

Holiday, Life, Photography, Photos

Corrie’s Turkey On Site

These are pictures of the flower turkey I created for Corrie today. I moved everything ahead of Tuesday to prepare for her gravemarker's arrival.

children, Family, Grief, inspiration, Life, parenting, Photography, Photos, Writing

A Time for Heroes

Dad sits in a waiting room. Eyes red from reading. Eyes tired from small screens and a World War II leaders' novel that I'd given to Mom last Christmas. A Christmas when ... Well, it doesn't matter. Christmases such as that have gone the way of unicorns. My mother, Corrie's Aunt Diana, and my Mom… Continue reading A Time for Heroes

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At the Five Year Mark, We still Need STEAM

Check out my education blog, with a focus on LEGO Learning, which Corrie inspired.