Pain as a Teacher
I finished a book! That is a big deal. I usually read about 2/3rds; I am not sure why. I wonder if I get bored, if I get enough of the gist or if there is some deep seeded problem with starting but not finishing. The book I completed was titled FINISH: Give Yourself the…
The Grief Olympics
The bereaved Olympics…is that a thing? I know thousands of “competitors” if it was. We were supposed to be enjoying the Summer Games this month but like so many others wonderful events, they were cancelled. Too bad our journey of pain was not cancelled. How is the grief journey like training for the Olympics? This…
My Journey Thus Far
My journey thus far. As mentioned before, grief work has been my entire career. Hospice, grief counselor at a funeral home and currently Program Director for Starlight Ministries is the sum of where I have worked. In addition, I have given countless presentations on grief and loss, how to help, and a variety of topics.…
What Makes Me Qualified?
What makes me qualified? I think the answer to this question is easy. Let me break it down. Number one, even though I have a degree in Social Work and have a certification in Thanatology it is the mourner who is the expert and not me. I can speak to the subject with certainty and…
Why Am I Doing This?
Why I am doing this? What is this? This is starting my own Grief Guide business. I really wish at the beginning of my career that I had kept a journal of all the families/individuals I have met. I cannot even venture to count how many homes I have been to, how many groups I…
Who is Gwen?
I am a wife, mother, and professional grief counselor with over 30 years of experience in helping families who are grieving. Before our children were born, I worked in Hospice care and assisted patients facing death, and guided their surviving families through their grief. Once our children were born, I was able to stay home…