Published inThe Andrew Project·Updated Aug 15, 2021Good GriefViolet smiled the other day and I saw my brother, Andrew, in her smile. Also, like him, she has a wicked sense of humor. Georgia has a love for science and does this silly little dance. Andrew used to have a silly little dance (I can still do it). …Siblings2 min readSiblings2 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Dec 11, 2020Member-onlyHoliday Journal Prompts for Grief and Loss SupportRight after my brother passed away, a very wise person took me to buy a diary (I was 12, you have diaries at 12.) She literally pulled me from the awkward funeral home viewing and walked me right into Hallmark. I still have that journal and opened it up when…Journal Prompt1 min readJournal Prompt1 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Dec 10, 2020Member-onlyTrigger5 ways I turn my grief triggers into a Tigger. I want you to think about Tigger in Winnie the Pooh. You know the one–orange, black stripes, kooky laugh. Think about how he’s “bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!” …Trigger5 min readTrigger5 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Dec 10, 2020Member-onlyThe Important Dates(Other than that date.) A few months after Andrew passed away, his eighth birthday rolled around. As a family, we weren’t sure what to do. Do we celebrate? Bury ourselves in our beds? Ignore it? Ignoring it didn’t feel right but celebrating didn’t either. As a 13-year old, I decided we would have a…Grief And Loss2 min readGrief And Loss2 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Oct 16, 2020Member-onlyThe Mess of GriefLook at the picture above. What do you see? Do you see a mess? A work of art? Or a tool used to create? I was on a Zoom call and we were talking about life and how complicated it can be (yes, this was a business meeting, not a…Grief4 min readGrief4 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Jun 2, 2020The Andrew Project — Using our loss to help others.Hello, I’ve shared my story about the loss of my brother on Medium and my own site. I’d like to understand more about how to help others in similar situations. Could you please take this quick survey for me? There are only 5 questions. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VPS3ZT2 I appreciate this so much. By helping me, you’ll be helping others who have lost someone and struggling to figure that new world out.1 min read1 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Jun 2, 2020The Andrew ProjectAround the anniversary of my brother's death, I tend to think about other people in my situation. How did they feel? What did they experience? How are they now? Finally, I decided to do something about it. I’m gathering information to see how I can help other’s who have lost a sibling (or other losses). Please help me out so we can all help each other. Understanding Your Grief Experience At the age of 12, my only sibling passed away. As my parents dealt with significant loss and overwhelming support, I…www.surveymonkey.comGrief1 min readGrief1 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Apr 30, 2020Member-onlyAn Observation of MarriageWhat I’ve learned from my parent's marriage. Today my parents have been married 42-years. Anyone who has been in a relationship for a while knows that is no small feat. …Marriage6 min readMarriage6 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Apr 27, 2020Member-onlyHigh Need for ClosureI like closure and these last 24-months refuse to go away. I don’t like things being drawn out, I need them buttoned up and dealt with so I can move on. I attribute that to the loss of my brother, and what my parents describe as, my “high need for closure.” Right now, my husband is at work and I’m at…Closure6 min readClosure6 min read
Published inThe Andrew Project·Jun 10, 2019Member-onlyDear Papa BearA letter to my Grandpa who passed away Dear Papa Bear, I don’t know what my first memory of you is. You’ve just always been. I remember staying the night at your house when I was a kid–so many sleepovers. I would wake up for two reasons: you were snoring or you were leaving for work at Dow…Family5 min readFamily5 min read