Janice's Blog
A Letter to My Brother
November 27, 2024
My Dearest Brother,
November 27th is your birthday. I always call to make sure you are enjoying your favorite chocolate cake and playing cards with the new decks I sent, your always-requested present. But you passed away a month ago, so the cake was never baked, and the cards were never sent.
Read more: A Letter to My Brother
Amazon Book Reviews — How To Post
November 11, 2024
Do you have something to say about a book? Posting a review on Amazon helps other readers discover and learn about the book, and may be beneficial to the author. You do not need to buy the book on Amazon to post a review. If you find it difficult to write a book review, you can just post a “Star-rating”!
Read more: How to Post a Book Review on Amazon
“You Are Amazing!”
November 1, 2024
Yesterday, I opened an envelope that contained the card: “You Are Amazing! I believe in you. You’ve got this! Your friend, ———.”
I had been struggling for several days to put out fires I had no part in creating — internet, credit card, mail deliveries I had counted on which were delayed. I felt very sorry for myself. When I saw the card, my thinking changed 180 degrees.
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Brian Loves Music! Scholarship
October 16, 2024
Today is my son Brian’s birthday. In 1972, the year we lost Brian, my husband and I created a music scholarship in his memory. For a boy who loved music so much — from piano to recorder to autoharp, from Mozart’s “Piano Sonata in C Major” to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” — it was a fitting tribute. Now, 50 years later, I am once again creating a music scholarship in celebration of his generous spirit.
Read more: Brian Loves Music! Scholarship
Love in Action
August 7, 2024
Love is essential for all of us, especially for those who are grieving…
Keeping a perfect love: His name is Jack, and we have a simple routine. Almost every day, we give each other a warm voice message. Often, while we hug, our bodies bounce radiant energy back and forth from our tips to our toes. When we choose a totally inward connection, we gaze into each other’s eyes, always finding heartfelt synergy. How do my friend and I keep this perfect love going day after day and year after year?
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Stories of Courage
July 24, 2024
Courage waits to be discovered in many books and genres. For all of us—especially those navigating loss—reading a story of courage can be truly inspiring. The following titles have keenly informed me and reached deep into my psyche…
Read more: Favorite Books, Stories of Courage
Favorite Children's Books
July 17, 2024
I still love to read children’s books! If you are looking for a way to bring a smile to your face, consider reading a great children’s book—with a child or by yourself! Here are some of my all-time favorites, and why I love them…
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Ripples in Time
June 26, 2024
I found the book Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala deeply moving.
She declared on the first page, “I thought nothing of it at first. The ocean looked a little closer to our hotel than usual. That was all.”
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Sunflowers & Brian
June 20, 2024
Remembering Brian: I have vivid memories of my son Brian’s cat, “Sunny,” with his very yellow stripes. His coloring and his penchant for batting the large petals of a sunflower earned him the name. The cat would swat at the “ray flowers” as they are called, until the petals flew down one by one…
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Finding “Soft”
June 8, 2024
My nose and face sank into my cat’s soft fur, my breathing slowed, and my whole body felt a melodious pulse. Precious Zoey had once again taken my brain, bones, and heart to a state of relaxation… Avenues of balance and perspective are like reaching calm water…
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Loss Shouldn’t Limit Who You Become
May 27, 2024
The most tragic event of my life, the drowning of my nine-year-old son, Brian, consumed my body, mind, and heart. I needed to grieve properly but find a way to heal; otherwise, I would be of no use to myself, my family, or others who needed help.
To those who have also suffered loss and grief, I share my greatest sympathy, and hope for your healing in the way that works best for you. In my blog, I will share ideas that I found worked for me, in the hope that you may also find these insights helpful...
Read more: Loss Shouldn't Limit...