I have recently learned of another mother, someone I don’t even know, who is putting herself through the hell of self-blame and guilt as the
“THE THIRD ECLAIR”
I’ve always liked sweet, creamy treats. Other desserts (pie and cake, for instance) were mere excuses to consume large quantities of ice cream or whipped
“COMING OF AGE”
AUTHOR’S NOTE: When a child with mental illness comes of age, from a parent’s point of view, all bets are off. If your now “adult”
“ROSE-COLORED GLASSES”
I find myself saying things that previously I would have thought were complete bullshit. That bad things don’t happen to us; they happen for us…
WHAT TO DO WHEN A FRIEND SAYS, “I WANT TO KILL MYSELF”
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. For those of us who have lost a loved one to suicide, this is a bittersweet day. Bitter because
“DYING – A DRESS REHEARSAL”
December 24, 2009 – 1:50 a.m. “What sadist numbered these highways so that they all end in 80? Six-80. Eight-80. Five-80. Nine-80. Just plain stupid
“WITH APOLOGIES & THANKS TO THE BEATLES”
[AUTHOR’S NOTE: After the initial madness of losing my son to suicide had settled down to a quiet roar, I was drawn to mindfulness meditation.
“THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD”
[Author’s Note: At my son’s memorial service, his friend Nadine (not her real name) told the story of how Julian once took a homeless man
“HOW TO ANSWER THE QUESTION”
“Do you have children?” It’s kind of personal, even intimate, isn’t it? These days there are so many who choose to not have children at all, or people who struggle to have children, or people who have suffered the loss of a child. Can’t we lean into conversation with a new acquaintance with a little more imagination and elegance?
“A RIOT OF COLOR”
This post is dedicated to my mother, Carmen, whose birthday is today. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you! —————————- Since my son’s suicide in June
NOT “HEARTBROKEN”
[Author’s Note: When a loved one dies by suicide – in my case, my only child – there really isn’t a word that touches the
“THERE GOES ANOTHER ONE”
Like so many, I was saddened to tears to learn of Robin Williams’ “apparent” suicide. This comic and dramatic genius is now forever lost to
