I thought of sending this to @sbinaz via a pm but since others mentioned dealing with similar losses, I decided to put it here - this is an article adapted from a book titled “ Dispatches from Grief, A Mother’s journey through the unthinkable” by Danielle Crittenden Frum. And this is a conversation with her husband David Frum about the book. These are gifted articles so not hidden behind the Atlantic paywall. Her writing is profoundly honest and raw. I hope it helps a tiny little bit.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
I have a great resource as well for everyone, including teens and young adults. Lisa Sugarman is local in my community. She founded The Help Hub website : https://www.thehelphub.co which has a wealth of resources. She is also an author, has a podcast and in general is just a really great advocate for mental health. In her words
“my mission is to change the way we think about, talk about, and engage around suicide and mental illness. It’s also to create a destination where anyone who’s struggling, in any community, can find the help and the hope they need when they need it most.”
Just wanted to pass it along ![]()
So often we feel like we are the only ones going through something…..finding community and knowing that you are not alone is so important. At any age!
I remember being so shocked after our son died how many bereaved parents were in my circle that just didn’t talk about it. For me, saying his name, talking about him, and keeping him “alive” in the fabric of our family was really important to me and my ability to move forward.
It think the same is true for our kids when they are struggling. They can often feel like the only ones with those feelings and it isn’t so.
Big hugs to all!
I didn’t know you had also gone through losing a child. I am so very sorry to hear that.
I’ve always been amazed how you seem to support every single member here, on every board, without fail. “Super Moderator” indeed! ![]()
Thank you so much for your kind words.
It’s been a long time for me as our son was a baby. Still feels like I’m missing part of myself but also there is still a lot of joy and happiness in my life.
I remember those early days/months and looking at other bereaved parents further along in their grief journeys and being shocked that they could smile and be happy despite their losses. It gave me faith that life could still be positive despite this great loss, during a time where that felt impossible.
I was so lucky to have an amazing community of bereaved parents who took me into their folds. It’s the worst group to have to join but turned out to be the most supportive too.
I pray that @sbinaz finds those people around her and knows that she can reach out to us here too.
(PS. I am also struggling to know when to PM and when to post here in the group.)
it’s totally fine to post here in the group and PM. I might not have time for a few days to get back to everybody in PMs. Going with my sister to scope out a nearby cemetery that’s only 20 min from our house. Picked up D26’s graduation tickets yesterday.
Good luck to everybody’s kids taking AP exams this week and next. They’re almost done!
Also finding it hard to know where to post, or exactly what to say. I guess I was more in D26’s shoes, although I was already in college and it was a younger sibling in high school who passed away (in an accident). It was really important to me to have a parent who was supportive in my grief as well - which I can see @sbinaz is for her D26 - and just to have a community rally around. I don’t really want to distract here but @sbinaz feel free to PM me if you want some insight into the sibling perspective. It’s no less painful but it’s also different. Again, sending you hugs and strength.
I am so sorry to hear this. I think your perspective is important.
I lost a young cousin in a car accident – I was 13, and he was 9 – and vividly remember flying to my aunt and uncle’s house and missing a week of school. My aunt was driving and was seriously injured – she was in ICU for awhile. It was an awful time, but many decades ago now, obviously.
And then, my DH was in high school when his older sister (who had just graduated) passed from cancer.
All different circumstances and types of grief, but I’m hoping we can support @sbinaz the best we can.
I’m feeling weird about posting, too. Currently leaving for the airport in an hour for D22’s graduation, and I did something to my shoulder so I can’t move or lift anything. Oy. I probably won’t be around until late Sunday night or Monday.
@sbinaz sending you love and prayers.
@sbinaz – I think about you often and continue sending prayers to your family every night. I hope you are finding virtual support here, and it sounds like you are surrounded by a strong community at home.
@SpreadsheetMom Enjoy your D’s graduation. I happen to be flying to my S22’s graduation tomorrow – and, although I did not injure my shoulder (sorry to hear that), I inexplicably got vertigo several days ago (diagnosed with BPPV yesterday). I never realized how awful vertigo was until now. I start with a vestibular physical therapist next week, so I hope that helps.
I too didn’t realize how debilitating it could be till I got it. I’ve ended up in ER from it. I always have (prescription-strength) meclizine on hand now. I hope your therapy works.
Congrats on the graduations to you & @SpreadsheetMom !
Oh no. Look up the Foster maneuver on YouTube – I SWEAR by it for vertigo. It seems nutty but it really works. I have episodes of it, too, and it can get really bad. (I don’t know BPPV – googling.)
Congrats to your D22, too! Hope you’re feeling better as you travel.
Yes, I have a prescription on hand. Although the doc said not to use it too often?? I can see where one might end up in the ER for it, though.
I will check it out. I know there is something called the Epley maneuver too (maybe it’s the same thing – also googling now)
I don’t get it very often, luckily, but when I do it’s bad…
Epley works for minor ones for me but has no chance when it’s a bad attack
Oh I just looked – similar idea to Epley but some different movements.
As a Vestibular PT myself, this most certainly will help. BPPV is generally very easy to treat with repositioning maneuvers (Epley is one example)
Many people have success self treating at home, but certain subsets of BPPV (both inner ears affected or a less common semicircular canal at issue) won’t resolve with the usual Epley. This is why it is good to see a vestibular specialist.
It is terribly debilitating but can be cured in 5 minutes.
Sorry for the off topic PSA, but I couldn’t resist. ![]()
Anyone else’s school affected by the instructure/canvas hack/ransom? I know a bunch of colleges are affected, but so are is our high school district.
Only about 9,000 other schools.