Son’s Tragic Overdose Causes Father To Ask “What If?”

  • On
  • By
  • Comments Off on Son’s Tragic Overdose Causes Father To Ask “What If?”
Dear Laura, I recently lost my teenage son to an overdose and have dozens of ‘what if I did this or that’ come to my mind. I belong to the Compassionate Friends support group for parents who have lost a child and I hear that phrase over and over. What insight can you give us parents who have lost a child and try to blame ourselves when we shouldn’t? Brian Dear Brian, Thank you for…
Continue Reading

Coping With Grief And Guilt Over Cousin Dying Alone

  • On
  • By
  • Comments Off on Coping With Grief And Guilt Over Cousin Dying Alone
Dear Laura, I just learned that my cousin died. Apparently he was all alone and suffering with an illness. I feel just horrible thinking he had no one there and died alone. I could really use some comfort at this time. Thank you. — BB Dearest BB, I am sorry for your shock and loss. His passing was mercifully fast, and thank goodness because the human condition can be full of enough suffering without having…
Continue Reading

Why Would A Deceased Beloved Not Make A Dream Visit?

  • On
  • By
  • Comments Off on Why Would A Deceased Beloved Not Make A Dream Visit?
Why Would A Deceased Beloved Not Make A Dream Visit? Dear Laura, My beloved husband passed away a couple months ago. Although everyone says he will come visit me in my dreams, so far nothing has happened. Another friend of his recently had a dream visit from him. Why would he go to them before he came and visited me? — Mrs. E. Dear Mrs. E., I am so glad that you wrote to me.…
Continue Reading

How to Handle Bad News When Opening Up Empathically

  • On
  • By
  • Comments Off on How to Handle Bad News When Opening Up Empathically
Hi Laura, Recently I read the news report of a young man who was senselessly murdered by a classmate. I cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling regarding this tragedy. I cannot simply seem to let it pass as a news story-even though I do not know this child at all I feel a deep sense of personal loss. In addition my heart cries for his family and friends who were close to…
Continue Reading
[]