by Christine Hammond on October 7, 2018
Marie and her twin sister Rose had the same childhood experiences. They went to the same schools, had the same teachers, liked the same activities and enjoyed the same friends. Yet as they got older, Marie excelled in her job, had a stable marriage, and was satisfied with her achievements. Meanwhile, Rose became an alcoholic,… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on January 6, 2018
It was only after the nursing home started setting decorating for Christmas that Norman realized this would be the first year without his wife at home. Worse yet, based on his last visit with her, she most likely would not remember any part of their 50 years together. The Alzheimer’s had taken over her brain… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
Sixteen years ago to the date, my best friend committed suicide. She was beautiful inside and out with a compassionate heart too large for her physical body. As one of the smartest people I knew, she loved to engage in passionate discussions about her favorite subject: politics. She had more energy and could cram more… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
Perhaps a new custody agreement has the kids spending the holidays with their other parent. Or perhaps this is the first holiday after the death of a loved one. Or perhaps a family member is deployed with limited contact. Or perhaps a recent break-up in a relationship immediately changes the plans already made. Whichever the… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
After sixteen years, I can still remember the day of the Columbine shootings. Two high school students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, injured 24 people, killed 13 and then killed themselves. The media coverage continued for months with many stories of the deaths and survivors of the tragedy. Admittedly, I did not give much thought… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 14, 2015
One of the hardest realities to explain to a child is death. Especially when it is the death of a parent, sibling, beloved grandparent, close friend or even a favorite pet. Parents generally try to protect their child from things that might harm or from things that are too difficult to understand. But unfortunately sometimes… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 8, 2015
You thought that when the papers were signed for the divorce everything would be better and you would finally feel relief and calm. But you don’t. Somehow the hurt emotions intensify and unexpected emotions of remorse, sadness, and guilt pile on top of bitterness, resentment, and frustration. This has left you confused, disoriented, and even… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 5, 2015
Not everyone grieves in the same way. After all, there are different people with different physical appearances, perspectives, experiences, thoughts, emotions, backgrounds, and attitudes. So why when it comes to grief do some believe that there is one correct way to handle the loss of a loved one? There are in fact a number of constructive ways to… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 26, 2012
Out of the blue, you receive a message that someone you loved has passed away. Perhaps it is a sibling, a longtime friend, or close co-worker, he/she is close to you but not one of your immediate family. Whatever the nature of your relationship, the timing of their death is so unexpected that you can… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on August 24, 2012
Every once in a while God gives us the opportunity to say good-bye to a loved one before they pass away. You may have experienced moments such as this in the past or may be going through it right now. Either way, it is still difficult to endure. Nevertheless, these are rare precious moments to… (more…)