grief
Losing a family member is one of the most traumatic life events; Families must support one another to endure the five stages of grief and get through it together.
The Relay of Life. Top Story - December 2018.
The other day I took a leisurely ride through my neighborhood while tending to some errands. I passed by my current job, which is about a mile or so away from my grandparents' home. My grandparents are long gone, but I had to slow down in the vicinity of their home while I soaked up many of the wonderful memories I shared with them, especially with my Grandpa.
By Maurice Bernier8 years ago in Families
Face of an Angel
Born in September of 1997, at 7 lbs and 5 oz, Crystal was a black-haired, blue-eyed perfection! She had sweet little cheeks, and at just a few days old, was already focusing on things around her, showing an interest in the world around her. She was also strong, both in her grip and in the ability to hold her head steady for a few seconds at a time. She learned to walk before she was 10 months old, and she was able to recite the alphabet, basic colors, shapes, and count to 20 by the time she was a year and a half old. At the age of two, she could tell you what was in a picture, no matter what you pointed at. She did have trouble with certain letter combination pronunciation, but honestly, what two year old didn't? To say that Crystal was the apple of my eye, my life, my whole world... that would be an understatement. She was my EVERYTHING! And in one selfish moment, one moment of cruelty, jealousy and for all I know, hatred, she was taken away from me. Her light was snuffed out, her life ripped away from her. She was declared legally braindead nine days before her third birthday. That was the day the old me, the happy and trusting me, died.
By Michelle Frank8 years ago in Families
The Weight of Grief
“An oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. Place the mask firmly over your nose and mouth…” I had one headphone in, my face turned to look out the window while the flight attendant continued, “…secure the elastic band behind your head…” and breathe normally, I thought along with her. “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”
By M.G. Sprinkle8 years ago in Families
A Tribute to a Friend
Belva Frances Carter September 2, 1961 - April 14, 2011 Belva Frances Carter 49, of Saint Joseph, MO passed away Thursday April 14, 2011 at a Saint Joseph hospital. She was born September 2, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Mildred & Joseph Schubert. She married Larry Carter on March 4, 1990. She was a devoted child care provider for over 15 years. Belva had a huge heart, and loved people and her child care kids, she loved to cook, garage sales, and taking care of children. She was a Christian. Belva was preceded in death by her father, Joseph R. Schubert, her mother, Mildred (Kerns) Iwed, and a brother, Billy Schubert. She is survived by son - Danny O. Bowman of Saint Joseph, MO; five brothers— Johnny, Mike, Steve, Timmy, and Buddy Schubert; and a sister—Linda Lawhorn, and her beloved dogs—Tucker, little Tuck, Nikki, Diesel, Sissy, and Klohe; The family will receive friends from 6-8pm, Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the visitation. Memorials are requested to the Belva Carter Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at ruppfuneral.com
By amanda j mollett8 years ago in Families
Losing Cherish
I was watching her videos and looking at her pictures over and over. Like I did in my downtime every night at work. I was still in awe of being a new mom. I was smitten with her and I adored being a mom. Cherish’s mommy. I envisioned our lives together, how I planned to move to the Ft. Myers area for bigger, more affordable houses. I thought of how her voice would sound when she was older, how much fun I would have teaching her how to go potty, ride a bike, or tie her shoes. I started to call to check on things, but I remembered my husband’s words: “You don’t have to call every two hours, I have to get some rest for work. Our daughter is fine in my care, stop worrying so much. We will both be here when you get home.” He had told me that every night for four months. I just wanted to check in and make sure everything was OK, but he was right, he was her father, he’d been doing a fine job so far, and it was time I stopped worrying so much.
By Tera Summers8 years ago in Families
Dysfunctional
The title is off putting, isn't it? What could be dysfunctional? Well, it's a difficult topic, Domestic Abuse. For some readers, you'll leave at the mention of that charge, for others, you're curious what it was like, and for some it's the comfort of knowing you aren't alone. That someone went through this like you and made it to adulthood with partial functionality. Why am I still talking? Because I'd like to tell you my story, the beginning, the nitty gritty. The good, the bad, and the ugly side of Domestic Abuse.
By Sarah Carrillo8 years ago in Families
Butterflies
Something in my imaginary world sometimes thinks about things that someone might have to go through one day, what I would do if something like this happened to me. Imagination and thoughts turned into real life circumstances. My stepdad, the man who brought me back to life when I was going down—I watched him die. He has liver cancer and knew there was not going to be a cure to bring him back to life. He took defeat. I never imagined going through something as traumatic as watching someone I truly loved with my whole heart slowly slip away from my life. Typically, step-parents are the bad guys in every Disney movie ever created. This story took a completely different turn from the typical evil parent lifestyle.
By Monica Stegall8 years ago in Families
