Category: Family

Contemplating Afterlife

PART 2 ARTICLE 9 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ This past year, I have lost several close friends and shared in the grief of others who have endured profound losses, including life-threatening diagnoses, the passing of their spouses, or, most heartbreakingly, their children. At my age of 72 and beyond, such losses are expected, yet…
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The Healing Potential of Christmas Spirit

PART 2 ARTICLE 6 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ Sitting in the warmth and comfort of my Blue Foot Café, soothed by the gentlest instrumental Christmas music, I pause dreamily as I contemplate this season, its meaning, past, present, and future.  The holidays have the mind-boggling power to deliver both joy and sorrow, wonder and…
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Revisiting Unconditional Love in Unexpected Places

PART 1 ARTICLE 17 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ In a previous post, *Longing to Return to What Never Was*, I explored the complex journey of seeking unconditional love within our family of origin, a search that often brings sadness when we cling too tightly to this ideal. Today, I want to expand this concept…
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Fun: A Straight Shot to Connection, Love, and Well-being… A Raucous Good Time

PART 1 ARTICLE 16 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ Much like the food pyramid, I’ve devised a “life pyramid” to encompass essential elements: air, water, food, love, purpose, meaning and fun. Why does fun rank so highly on my list? Because it directly impacts our mental and emotional health, making life easier and more joyful.…
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Lost… Grace in Adversity – Embracing Spontaneous Contemplative Experiences

PART 1 ARTICLE 14 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ When life hands us a profound loss — be it illness, divorce, death, or the suffering of a loved one — we can find ourselves feeling completely unmoored. This is not like getting lost on a familiar route; it’s as if our entire world has been…
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Life Goes On as a Young Mother Dies… A Tribute to Lindsey

PART 1 ARTICLE 13 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ For three days, I have struggled to find the right words following the funeral of Lindsey, the 30-year-old daughter of my dear friend, Jen. Lindsey’s death from breast cancer has left Jen bearing an unimaginable grief — the loss of her baby girl. Breast cancer is…
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Alcoholism and Its Ramifications … Doug’s Story By: Christa and Doug Johnson

PART 1 ARTICLE 9 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ This is a deeply personal and heartbreaking story, but we hope it offers comfort and insight to those impacted by the nightmare of alcoholism. My husband Doug’s journey with alcoholism began in college, eventually leading to a devastating stroke at age 54, 15 years ago.  …
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Love and Connection at the End of Life… Older Sister

PART 1 ARTICLE 8 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ Nearly 20 years ago, I witnessed my father in the last chapter of his life, finding comfort only in his recliner each night. Watching him, I marveled at the realities of aging — the ways our bodies, worn down by aches, pains, and breathing troubles, change…
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The Everlasting Human Need For Unconditional Love!

PART 1 ARTICLE 4 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ Reflecting on our families of origin, we’re often filled with a mix of love, joy, and cherished childhood memories, and inevitable feelings of disappointment and sorrow. These family dynamics shape us profoundly, leaving deep imprints on our emotional expectations and perspectives on unconditional love. At first,…
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Breakups in Search of Self… A Tribute to Big Al

PART 1 ARTICLE 3 AUDIO FILE IN FOOTER ♫ Who could have predicted that a teenage marriage, lasting only four years, would become one of the most transformative gifts of my life? Al, my first husband, left a legacy of wisdom that changed me forever, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Just yesterday, while…
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