Grief & Loss Information

Lessons We Learned From Terri Schiavo


Let's talk about Terry Schiavo, since her death illustrated for me many aspects of grief and hope. Who among us was not moved by the drama of her last days? I know I was. Her death was not the way I would want my own death to be. When my time comes, I want no heroic measures, since for me they simply postpone the inevitable. And watching the family feud that took place between her husband and her parents, with all the tension and the anger, saddened me terribly. Peace should be the last emotion Terry felt, but who knows if she heard only the angry words passed between those she loved. No one should have to die as she did.

What a shame. At the same time, look at the two different approaches to grief presented to us, one by her husband Michael and the other by her parents the Schindlers. Michael was clearly ready to "lay her gently down," he was prepared to move on with his new life and to "begin again" with his fiancee and two young children. Some say he was ready a bit too soon, but I disagree. Grief takes as long as it needs, there is no clock for the soul. Her parents, on the other hand, were clearly unable to give her up yet. It is understandable that parents would be so protective of their kids, and I don't know what I would do if, God forbid, one of my own kids was in a similar state.

I am not judging, just pointing out the differences in style and approach in this wrenching drama. For Terri's parents, despite how they may feel now, they must know that there is still hope for them. There is a new future which they will soon help create; there will be new challenges for them and their family which they cannot yet know. When you are grieving, you often lose sight of the future, because the present is so draining. But no matter what has been taken from you there is hope. They still have each other and they still have a life in front of them. I certainly pray that they will find healing and consolation, and that Terri's memories will bring them peace.


MORE RESOURCES:

Are you mental?
COS The Campus
... interns include assistance with depression, addiction/recovery issues, relationship problems, stress/anxiety, grief/loss and adjustment to life changes. ...

and more »


Killer rues senseless death
Stuff.co.nz
"To the McQueen whanau I'm humbly sorry for the grief, loss and expense that I caused you by taking Bala's life in such a gutless way," an emotional Mahuki ...



Children & grief: a free program from Hospice of Southern Illinois
Carmi Times
Those who attend will learn practical tools and strategies to help children cope with grief, loss and death. The program will be held from 6 to 7:30 pm ...



Psychology Today (blog)

What is fidelity, anyway?
Psychology Today (blog)
People who experience or discover sexual infidelity by their spouses describe an agonizing experience, of grief, loss and a frightening existential ...



Faith after marriage
Longmont Daily Times-Call
“A lot of times, you feel really isolated,” said Moncivais, who is certified in grief, loss and trauma counseling. “Your family's sick of your crying. ...



William Castle's Daughter Terry Castle Talks Her Dad, His Movies, His Gimmicks ...
Dread Central
Dread Central: Well, not only is horror fun, but it also allows a creator such as your father to address big topics – Life, Death, Grief, Loss, Loyalty, ...



Sierra Tucson Helps Individuals in Need of Treatment for Addictions and ...
PR Web (press release)
... psychological testing, and specialized assessments for eating disorders, fitness, grief/loss/spirituality, nutrition, and trauma, among others. ...



Brisbane Times

Children caught in the crossfire
Brisbane Times
And they suffer huge grief, loss and anxiety about their future, as well as tremendous homesickness." About 60 teenagers are in group homes in Port Augusta ...

and more »


Career criminal faces another jail term
Sydney Morning Herald
"We are now scarred, full of grief, loss and pain," she said of her family. "I can only look forward to seeing him (her son) again in heaven. ...

and more »


New Inspirational Memoir Offers Spiritual Perspective on Death and Dying as ...
WiredPRNews.com (press release)
A must for libraries with collections dealing with grief, loss and Alzheimer's disease.” The Circle of Life – A Journey Through Grief to Understanding is ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2006