What makes life interesting is also what makes life so painful at times; we are never certain what’s around the corner. The cornerstone of our existence as human beings is that life is unpredictable. Things happen that we didn’t anticipate, and how we react and cope determines the quality of our lives. If you know a married couple that’s been married for a long time, they … [Read more...]
How Do You Tell a Child One of Their Grandparents Has Died?
Death is one of those subjects we just don't talk about a lot. I don't know about you, but it doesn't come up often at my dinner table. However, it's still something that we have to face and more often than we would like. The death of a grandparent or great grandparent (as in my case) is not easy and explaining it to a little person adds to the challenge. "Granddaddy, you … [Read more...]
‘Til Death (or Drama) Do Us Part
As newlyweds, I think it’s important for us to take it upon ourselves to put in the work to continue to build on the pre-marital counseling my wife and I decided to get. It’s important to us that we are constantly thinking of ways to continue to work on our marriage, even though it is fresh and new. That said, I was in a group that we attend with other married couples and one … [Read more...]
Finding Justice for Kendrick Johnson
Earlier this week, hundreds gathered in Georgia’s State Capitol to help Jacquelyn and Kenneth Johnson find justice for their 17-year-old son, Kendrick Johnson, who was found dead on January 11th in a rolled-up wrestling mat in his high school gymnasium in Valdosta, Georgia. Johnson’s death was ruled accidental after an autopsy was conducted by the Georgia Bureau of … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Prepare Your Child For The Loss of Loved Ones
I don’t think that anyone is ever prepared for the loss of a loved one. My family experienced many losses this year. In February 2013, my husband lost his dear Mother. In March he lost an aunt and in November he lost a cousin. When he lost his mother, she was elderly and ill, losing her has not only been a horrible blow to us, but especially to our young daughter. That was … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget to Talk to the Kids About Death: 5 Tips to Getting Started
This past weekend, I had the very unfortunate experience of attending the funeral for my cousin's six week old baby that died unexpectedly. I distinctly remember getting the call at 3am from a family member about what had happened and I just couldn't get back to sleep that night. I remember immediately checking on all of the kids and then getting them all in the bed with us, … [Read more...]
Speak Resurrection into Your Life and Relationships So They Will Live and Not Die
Easter is upon us. I have to admit that I love this season and its traditions. However, more important than new clothes, delicious feasts, and candied eggs, is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people consider Resurrection (Easter) Sunday to be the holiest day in the Christian year. It is the day that believers in Jesus Christ celebrate their risen Lord and Savior. But, I … [Read more...]
Mother is Furious After Being Notified of Her Child’s Death Online
One Clayton County Police Department detective may accept social media as "a major form of communication," but when Georgia mother, Anna Lamb-Casey, was asked to contact the police by someone outside of her online friends list, neither she nor her daughter took it seriously. It wasn't until later on when her daughter called the number provided in the message that she was … [Read more...]
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff – Tomorrow Is Not Promised
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter This week has been a trying one for me. I lost a dear friend unexpectedly. While I still struggle with understanding why, my focus remains on her husband and young daughter. My friend was an entrepreneur and a bold and driven woman; she traveled, she truly lived and gave 110% to everything she did. At only 28 she dreamed big and followed each of … [Read more...]