'My grief for my son included my grief for all my own lost dreams, for my absolute failure to create the ideal family that I was so certain of when I was young. I’ve learned that creating the ideal is NOT what life is all about." Wow such a powerful statement that hits close to home for me as we watch 2 wayward children make heartbreaking destructive choices. Thank you for your inspired insight!
ViolaNovember 8, 2017
Darla, thank you for a beautiful, life-affirming article. Could you explain what therapeutic writing is?
LaMar GoingNovember 5, 2017
Thank you for your naked honesty, and well-stated essay. I have come to a space in life where I choose to respond instead of react to life; it requires me to pause, ponder, analyze options- instead of knee-jerk reactions, which tend to lead me astray. However, the major grief I walked through after the death of my father taught me that I was not as centered as I thought. It was an opportunity for personal growth, scripture study and prayer. I learned to rely on my wonderful family members as well. The things I knew intellectually had to be experienced and then they became ingrained in me spiritually: I understand the Plan of Salvation; I know life continues and families will be reunited. In the wisdom of our Father, I was led to walk through my own Gethsemane in order to more fully understand so many aspects of grief and loss. I am grateful for revelations, prophecy and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, which guided me through this and other challenges in my life. Shifting my burdens to Christ enables me to focus on personal growth and service to others. Life works best for me when I shift the burdens which are beyond my ability to carry.
Donna MalanNovember 4, 2017
To take grief out of death would be to take love out of life. That is not a choice I am willing to make. As time passes, my grieving moments are being transformed into treasured memories. I am grateful for those memories and the 55 years we had together --and the eternity that awaits.
Kathleen RyanNovember 2, 2017
Thank you for reminding me of the source of all strength and joy. Your words are so true and uplifting. I recently lost my husband to sudden death and have wrapped myself in a cocoon of solitude -- unable to talk about it or share my pain with anyone but Heavenly Father. I know he will always hear and answer our heartfelt prayers and help us find purpose in our pain.
AnaNovember 2, 2017
I was feeling miserable because I fall so short on what He expects from me. My thoughts then turned towards all His tender mercies towards me. Reading your article this morning is one of them. You have such a gift! Thank you and I love you!
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MelanieJanuary 28, 2018
'My grief for my son included my grief for all my own lost dreams, for my absolute failure to create the ideal family that I was so certain of when I was young. I’ve learned that creating the ideal is NOT what life is all about." Wow such a powerful statement that hits close to home for me as we watch 2 wayward children make heartbreaking destructive choices. Thank you for your inspired insight!
ViolaNovember 8, 2017
Darla, thank you for a beautiful, life-affirming article. Could you explain what therapeutic writing is?
LaMar GoingNovember 5, 2017
Thank you for your naked honesty, and well-stated essay. I have come to a space in life where I choose to respond instead of react to life; it requires me to pause, ponder, analyze options- instead of knee-jerk reactions, which tend to lead me astray. However, the major grief I walked through after the death of my father taught me that I was not as centered as I thought. It was an opportunity for personal growth, scripture study and prayer. I learned to rely on my wonderful family members as well. The things I knew intellectually had to be experienced and then they became ingrained in me spiritually: I understand the Plan of Salvation; I know life continues and families will be reunited. In the wisdom of our Father, I was led to walk through my own Gethsemane in order to more fully understand so many aspects of grief and loss. I am grateful for revelations, prophecy and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, which guided me through this and other challenges in my life. Shifting my burdens to Christ enables me to focus on personal growth and service to others. Life works best for me when I shift the burdens which are beyond my ability to carry.
Donna MalanNovember 4, 2017
To take grief out of death would be to take love out of life. That is not a choice I am willing to make. As time passes, my grieving moments are being transformed into treasured memories. I am grateful for those memories and the 55 years we had together --and the eternity that awaits.
Kathleen RyanNovember 2, 2017
Thank you for reminding me of the source of all strength and joy. Your words are so true and uplifting. I recently lost my husband to sudden death and have wrapped myself in a cocoon of solitude -- unable to talk about it or share my pain with anyone but Heavenly Father. I know he will always hear and answer our heartfelt prayers and help us find purpose in our pain.
AnaNovember 2, 2017
I was feeling miserable because I fall so short on what He expects from me. My thoughts then turned towards all His tender mercies towards me. Reading your article this morning is one of them. You have such a gift! Thank you and I love you!
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