Four States News

There are five powers that you can claim and utilize to ward off Complicated Grief. These five powers should be claimed and implemented at the onset of loss, however, if you find that you are discovering them later on, later is better than never. The key is to remain steady in your endeavor to recover […]

In my funeral and grief counseling practice, clients often ask me how to recognize when they should seek professional assistance with grief. The following five factors are my “Go-To” list for consideration. If a survivor finds that any of these factors apply, I suggest that they consider enlisting assistance with grief recovery immediately. FACTORS THAT […]

Sunday was my birthday. I woke up early, showered, and as I gathered my church clothes, I realized I needed something out of the laundry. It just so happens that my personal laundry machines are right next to my work laundry machines which are located in my embalming room. I walked the distance from one […]

I buried a man this past week who as a young child was adopted. His children wanted his biological parents, as well as his adopted parents, listed on his death certificates. Unfortunately, death certificates in the state of Texas, and I believe nationwide, do not allow this. Perhaps death certificates restrict listing adoption information in […]

This week is the 20th anniversary of September 11th; the worst enemy attack ever on America’s mainland by terrorists. Surprisingly, there will be those who will observe today by going about their lives as usual. For me that is not possible. I remember the moment the attacks took place. I remember exactly where I was and […]

Through my practice as a grief counselor, I have met and spoken with many people who do not believe in a deity. To me, these individuals are the saddest survivors of all. When their loved ones die, they are quite often more confused, more wounded, and more afraid than survivors who are more spiritually leaning.  […]

I am not a doctor, but I see from a unique angle, the fallout from the COVID pandemic. COVID-19 has been a beast of an illness for some. For others, not so much. As a funeral director, I see the uptick and decline in deaths in a real-time situation, especially in the area in which […]

There are times in life when you are pleasantly surprised. For me, yesterday was one of those days. My day began as many do for a funeral director, with a flurry of families and mountains of paperwork. Yesterday, however, took a turn that was quite surprising.  As I headed into my office, my number one […]

Earlier this year I had the privilege of being in Maryland for my granddaughter’s birth. While I was there, my husband and I wanted to take our other grandchildren, her siblings, to Chesapeake Bay to walk the pier and enjoy ice cream sundaes together.  As we walked the pier, enjoying the cool breeze and melodious […]

Although it may not seem like it, overcoming grief is possible. Sometimes, you may feel as though overcoming your grief is a betrayal to your loved one. Let me assure you this is not true. You may worry that recovery indicates that you have stopped loving your loved one. This is also untrue. Prolonged and […]