Magazine of The Compassionate Friends Spring 2005 Published Quarterly $20 per year To subscribe, write or fax the national office The Compassionate Friends, Inc. P.O. Box 3696 Oak Brook IL 60522-3696  Fax: 630 990-0246

Issues: Autumn 2005 | Summer 2005 | Spring 2005 | Winter 2004/2005 | Autumn 2004 | Summer 04 | Spring 04 | Winter 03/04 | Fall 03 | Summer 03 |

We Need Not Walk Alone®

CONTENTS Spring 2005

Features

TCF 28th National Conference  Something for Everyone By Wayne Loder
"While many people come for the workshops - and we have an excellent selection of quality workshops with great presenters - the conference will offer so much more,"...
    A Challenge Grant
    Walk To Remember
    Professional's Day

Thank You By Patrick Malone
I find it hard to believe that May 2005 will mark the tenth anniversary of my son Lance's death.  It's been even longer for Scott and Erin.  As I look back, I realize that the passage of time has helped, but without the help and assistance of The Compassionate Friends, I fear I'd still be mired in despair and desperation someplace along the road all bereaved parents - and their families - travel.  So, as I reach this milepost, I would like to thank those who gave me so much help along the way.

"Stuff" By Darcie D. Sims, PhD, CHT, CT, GTMS
Grief is part of our stuff, too.  Our experiences get boiled down to a few essential memories, phrases, and images that seem to become necessary to hold on to.  It would be easier if we would pick and choose which memories to keep and which to toss.

Myths About Grief by Carol Wogrin, PsyD, RN
People who lost a son or a daughter know that "letting go" is not the goal and that it would be foolish to even try.  It is not a matter of "getting over" the death.  That won't ever happen, nor should it.

Big Apple Circus By Michael Chritensen
In 1985 I lost my brother, Kenneth, to pancreatic cancer.  His doctor diagnosed him in July and gave him six months to live; four months later he died.  This loss became the emotional groundwork for the creation of Big Apple Circus Clown Care (sm) which opened the following year.

Reflections on Our National Conference By Rob Anderson
The conference was at times overwhelming but at times peaceful.  It was very sad but also very joyful  It was stressful, but comforting.  I guess the conference was just like our lives.  We grieve, we heal, we grieve, we heal, we grieve, we heal...forever.  As we challenge our kids deaths we invite their lives back into ours.  And isn't that one of the reasons we get out of bed each day?

Stillbirth:  The Loneliest Grief By Lorraine Ash
Stillbirth happens 71 times a day in the Untied States, and it is a misunderstood grief because it deals with the passing of a person hardly anyone knew, except Mom.  And so it is only a rare few who allow the mother of the sacred - yes, sacred - space she needs to feel her very real loss.

The Miracle Picture By Cathy Seehuetter
I cautiously opened the envelope, and there was the picture of Nina with her Mickey Mouse hat and trademark smile.  I carefully thumbed through the pictures, hoping against hope that the picture of the two of us survived.  Nearing the last picture, I held my breath and closed my eyes... 

Healing in Hidden Places
Simply Red By Marianne Lohrman
A friend of mine said "Something happens to us in grief; we gain new eyes.  We notice things that most other people miss." How true. 

Departments

From the Exec's Desk: ...By Pat Loder 

Friends, Caring and Sharing
TCF's in-house newsletter for chapter leaders and steering committee members is incorporated here. Many items will be of interest to both membership and friends of the organization.

TCF Patrons

Chapter Support 2004

For Brothers & Sisters
No One Knows By Michelle Lorta-Maxwell

Dream By Chelsea Brendle

Ask Dr. Paulson

Book Review
Life Touches Life By Lorraine Ash..Reviewed by Brad Kennedy

 

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