Category Archives: Support

You’re Okay, I’m Not Okay

Posted on March 15, 2014 by edcol52

What do I say to the person who asks, “How are you doing?” The question is such a reflexive conversational device. People ask without even thinking. Most of them listen to the reply without really hearing what you are saying, … Continue reading →

Posted in Coping, Daily Ramblings, Friends and Family, Grief, Jake Colman, Sadness, Support | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Another Voice in the Chorus

Posted on March 15, 2014 by edcol52

Originally posted on Grief: One Woman's Perspective:
The suicide of Rick and Kay Warren’s son made headline news a year ago. Rick is the founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church, one of the largest churches in America, and…

Posted in Blog, Friends and Family, Grief, Healing, Jake Colman, Kindness, Memory, Other Media, Support | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Exactly the Same and Completely Different

Posted on March 12, 2014 by edcol52

As I have noted, many of the blogs I read resonate with me. All of the parents in the “lost children” club use many of the same words, metaphors, and analogies to describe their experiences. Externally, we seem to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Coping, Daily Ramblings, Friends and Family, Grief, Healing, Jake Colman, Support | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Where Are the Dads?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by edcol52

I have been out in the ‘grieving parent blogosphere’ for a while now. There are a lot of mothers posting the most beautifully eloquent writings about their experiences, their lost children, the struggle to rebuild their shattered lives. So far, … Continue reading →

Posted in Coping, Healing, Jake Colman, Kindness, Progress, Support | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Empathy versus Sympathy

Posted on March 10, 2014 by edcol52

Originally posted on MourningAmyMarie:
What is the best way to ease someone’s pain and suffering? Quick fixes don’t work. Especially when it comes to dealing with a loved one or friend who is grieving. Reminding them to count their blessings…

Posted in Coping, Friends and Family, Healing, Jake Colman, Support, Video | 3 Comments

Making the Minyan

Posted on February 28, 2014 by edcol52

There is a concept in Judaism of ‘minyan’ or a quorum of ten men necessary for public religious observances. The sources of this requirement are several Biblical verses regarding congregations and the number of people who constitute a ‘congregation’, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Ceremony, Coping, Grief, Honoring Jake, Jake Colman, Sadness, Support | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Chronic Sorrow

Posted on February 25, 2014 by edcol52

I flipped my radio on this morning and came into the middle of an interview on Morning Edition. The woman being interviewed was speaking about guilt and grief, and it took me a few minutes to realize she was recounting … Continue reading →

Posted in Coping, Daily Ramblings, Friends and Family, Grief, Healing, Jake Colman, Memory, Observations, Support | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

The Memory Box

Posted on February 24, 2014 by edcol52

I received a package today. It contained 6 books donated by Kar-Ben publishing in Minneapolis, for Jake’s Library. Beautiful illustrated books for children ages 2-8. Books about Jewish holidays, life, and history. Books Jake would have loved when he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily Ramblings, Grief, Honoring Jake, Jake Colman, Jake's Library, Memory, Sadness, Support, Visions | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Why Say Anything At All?

Posted on February 21, 2014 by edcol52

Here’s a rhetorical question. When people try to console those who grieve over a departed loved one, WHY do they find it necessary to chronicle all the terrible things they have heard about lately. For example, I spoke with someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Coping, Daily Ramblings, Friends and Family, Grief, Jake Colman, Memory, Observations, Sadness, Support, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

A Community of Sorrow

Posted on February 20, 2014 by edcol52

Since Jake’s death less than eight weeks ago, we have become members of a very exclusive group. It is part of a society that everyone joins sooner or later, but no one really thinks about it much. The Grief Community. … Continue reading →

Posted in Coping, Daily Ramblings, Friends and Family, Grief, Healing, Jake Colman, Support | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments