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I have returned to podcasting after a long hiatus. While I have had some struggles with my physical health, Im doing well and looking to get better. I've received a lot of email in the last 6 months and today. I'd like to focus on platitutes and the things that people say when we are grieving. Why aren't they helpful? Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify If you are worried about your mental health and want to schedule regular sessions with a professional: www.betterhelp.com/dealingwithmygrief. If you are in immediate crisis and need assistance, call: In the U.S. :National Suicide Prevention Hotline - (800) 2738255 In the UK: supportline - 01 708 765200 Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief Shop on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?tag=dwmg0c-20&linkCode=ez

As we approach Father's day, it dawned on me that during the Mother's Day/Father's Day period there is a certain segment of the grief population that seem sto be totally ignored... that would be parents who have lost children. I know that people post about loss of all types every day, but during this period I rarely see posts by parents who have lost children but I see a lot of post of individuals mourning their parents. If you have lost a child, i'd like to know how you cope during this time of year, and what it anything can make this time of year a little easier to cope with. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify If you are worried about your mental health and want to schedule regular sessions with a professional: www.betterhelp.com/dealingwithmygrief. If you are in immediate crisis and need assistance, call: In the U.S. :National Suicide Prevention Hotline - (800) 2738255 In the UK: supportline - 01 708 765200 Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief

As I release this episode of the podcast, I am remembering my dad's 86th birthday. It also marks the beginning of my mourning period leading to his death anniversary on the 24th. As this is the third year I have had to navigate this anniversary without the words of my mother to comfort me, I try looking  for other ways to keep from focusing to much on my dad's death anniversary. This year 'm trying to be inspired by others. Joe Biden went from losing his wife and daughter just before taking office in the U.S. Senate to becoming the President of the United States. I know that we cant compare grief or grief journeys, but I find it inspiring that someone who has gone through so much, could accomplish as much as he has. Sometimes I think I could learn something from the examples set by others. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify If you are worried about your mental health and want to schedule regular sessions with a professional: www.betterhelp.com/dealingwithmygrief. If you are in immediate crisis and need assistance, call: In the U.S. :National Suicide Prevention Hotline - (800) 2738255 In the UK: supportline - 01 708 765200 Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief

Dealing with recent challenges has forced me to re-examine my relationship with the word "help". Being an only chile, I was "forced" to figure most things on my own. Asking for help was something I didn't do often. If I did I'd ask my mother for help. Now that she's gone, I have other's that I can go to, but for me that is often difficult. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify If you are worried about your mental health and want to schedule regular sessions with a professional: www.betterhelp.com/dealingwithmygrief. If you are in immediate crisis and need assistance, call: In the U.S. :National Suicide Prevention Hotline - (800) 2738255 In the UK: supportline - 01 708 765200 Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

We've been dealing with COVID for over a year... During this time their are a lot of things that we've done that we didn't think we could do, things we didn't want to do... but we did them anyway. Needless to say, it has been a rough year. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify If you are worried about your mental health and want to schedule regular sessions with a professional: www.betterhelp.com/dealingwithmygrief. Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

I have been away for a long time. My home caught on fire in February 2020 and before moving back into my home in November 2020 I moved a total of 4 times. I caught COVID in February 2021 which caused me to be in the hospital for almost 3 weeks. Needless to say, it has been a rough year. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

I have often been asked if I have problems discussing the circumstances surrounding my dad' s death. Truthfully, I used to , but since starting the podcast It has been a lot easier for me. People need to know that some things they see on television is real, and it effect real people. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

Have you ever had an issue expressing how you navigate through the grieving process? If so, I had a conversation with a film maker who has a project that is a must see for grievers as well as those who are supporting grievers. Lindsey Whissel Fenton is an Emmy award-winning storyteller who is passionate about using public media to build empathy. She is currently a senior producer at WPSU where, most recently, she developed, produced, directed, and wrote Speaking Grief,  a multi-platform initiative aimed at helping create a more grief-aware society. In 2017, Lindsey co-produced and directed A Time to Heal, a public media documentary that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on the lives of those who fought, protested, or prayed for their loved ones to come home alive. You Can’t Say That, which she produced, was among eight U.S. programs selected to screen at the 2013 International Public Television Screening Conference (INPUT) conference in El Salvador; it was also honored with a Mid Atlantic Emmy Award. Some of her other projects include  Pennsylvania Folklore: Woven Together and World on Trial: The French Headscarf Law. Fenton also serves as a host for the WPSU-FM series Take Note.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Digital Arts from Point Park University and her master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State. In 2012, she was one of four professionals selected by Rotary International District 7350 to serve as an ambassador for its Group Study Exchange to Ukraine. Fenton practices Shotokan karate and holds the rank of Nidan (second degree black belt). She also recently discovered a passion for rock climbing. A native of Buffalo, NY, Lindsey currently resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband. She is the proud dog-mom to Birch, a 7(ish)-year-old Maltese who was rescued from a puppy mill by Pets Come First. Watch the facebook live stream here: https://www.facebook.com/wpsugrief/videos/200597058050614/?v=200597058050614 Find out more about Speaking Grief here: https://speakinggrief.org/ Information about the Brave of Heart Fund: https://www.braveofheartfund.com/ Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

A listener asks if I still styruggle with someThe short anse things since it seems like I have come up with coping skills for a lot of things. The short answer is yes... I struggle with some things. However, there are some things that don't bother me so much. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

I received letter a few months ago from the person convicted of killing my father. This letter had been written in 2008 and had never been claimed by my mother. I'm not sure if she was truly aware that this letter had been written, or if she simply chose not to receive it. In any case, it weas not what I expected . Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

A few months ago, I received notification that the person convicted of killing my father will be eligible for a parole hearing in April 2023... that is less than 3 years away. Even still, while the hearing is in less than three years, he still has another mandatory 8 years let's be fty to server. When I was a kid, 50 years seemed forever... now its right around the corner. I know have to ask myself how I feel about that. Do I consider what my mom would do or think about this, do I lean on religious beliefs or do what I think is right by me? Do I even know what I think is right? I have many questions and no answers, but I have time to think about it. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

I had a wonderful chat with Callsuma Ali about my relationship with my father. We also talk about his murder and my process for dealing with the aftermath of his loss. Connect with Callsuma on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CallsumaAli

Sometimes grief comes between us. we plan for many things, but grief is not one of them. As we be go through life, planning for what we think is going to be the future, grief has a way of derailing those plans, So much so that it may begin to eat away at the fabric of our relationships. As we begin to process our grief, how quickly we move through has a serious impact on what people think about us and how they act towards us. The key thing to remember is that we all process differently... and that must be respected. Please use the following link to shop via amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2Uw3dKO Note: I am looking to interview individuals who are victims of violent crime and have received apology letters from the offender. If that is you or someon you know, reach out to me by any of the methods below. Thanks! Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

On May 25, 2020 George Floyd lost his life to the hands of the Minneapolis, Minnesota police when a police office knelt on his neck until he was dead. This is just the latest example an unarmed African American man whose life has senselessly been taken by those who have sworn to protect and serve us. In the wake of this tragedy, there have been protests and riots all across the country. In the midst of it all there are many people who do understand what many African Americans go through on a daily basis. Just like grief you'll never truly understand until it happens to you. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

Why did my mother give me my name.... Darwyn? Last week I talked about change... change while going through the changes that grief brings. This week is about the evolution of grief... how my grief has evolved and how I have evolved (or maybe not) around it. I used to be angry, lost, confused in the immediate days and years following my dad's death. Somehow, somewhere I found the act of forgiveness which allowed me to release the anger and begin to have some sort of inner peace. I used to believe that some people are crazy or are monsters and just want to hurt people. I believe now that there is a reason why most people do what they do, even the bad things and we don't want to take the time figure out or to understand why. I've changed my thoughts on knowing why my father was killed. I now have this burning sensation to sit down with one or more of the people who committed this murder and simply ask, "Why?" I know I'll never get ananswer that justifies the reason. Whike I have evolved in some respects, in others I have not. I still ignore the signs that people give right before they die. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher said, “Change is the only constant in life.” As I publish this episode I realize that not only is change constant, but I have no control over how or even when it affects me. Change for as much as it can be welcomed and good when we know that something good is coming can be so dreadful when the unexpected bad thing s happen. Even when we know that bad things are going to occur I sometime ignore the signs talking myself out of how much I will be impacted by the change the is coming. While I don't like it most times... I have to learn to embrace change regardless when it happens... good or bad. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

As I sit working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic I have realized that the link between this virus and grief is more that just the deaths caused by the virus. With all the talk about the number of cases and death expected to rise, speculation about a possible vaccine years ahead of the normal timeline for vaccine development and the politicizing of the virus by both parties here in the U.S., Just like I have often done in grief, I just want to isolate myself (even more than I've been forced to) from it all! Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

As this podcast episode is being released on the anniversary of my father's death, I find myself being consumed by a different question than usual. When did I start my healing process? The answer... when the bleeding stopped! When I physically fall, sometimes bhe bleeding doesn't happen immediately. The blood and pain take a minute to be registered by my brain and they suually hit at the same time. At that point there is no denying what has happened. For that brief second while you are waiting for the blood to appear you wonder if there will be any blood and if so, how bad will it be. In grief when my father died and my mother and I walked into that store, I was in disbelief of what I saw. I couldn't beleive it was happening to me... itr took his funeral for it to really start to sink in that this was happening. But what about the healing... when and how does that happen? I had to realize that I could live on without my father. That is when the bleeding stopped. Once the bleeding stops only then can healing truly begin. But healing to is painful. I recently fell and scraped up my elbo pretty bad. while the scrpar marks have scarred over every time I bump my arm against something or ove it the wrong way, it hurts... it's a painful reminder that something has happened to me. That just means it may take just a little longer to heal... It also mean I may have a scar for a while. Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)

February 25 is a day my life change... yet again! On  this day my home caught fire in my living room and dining room. What the fire didn't destroy smoke and water damage did. After spending a month in a hotel, my family is now renting a house while out home is being repaired. They say it'll be 6-8 months to complete... did I mention hotel? During the month we spent in the hotel, we met many people - some who were staying long term for work and some who had suffered misfortune like my family were there because their homes were being repaired. After 2 weeks there, the COVID-19 virus began to hit the U.S. hard and we were afraid our hotel would close like many others and we'd be left looking for a place to live. As mentioned earlier, our insurance company came through and found a place to we could live until our home is done. But the virus... It has left us sheltered in place and I'm fortunate enough that I can work from home. So unlike many millions of people in the states, I am able to continue earning a living wage. While it is difficult not being around people and seeing the street looking more like a ghost town instead of a thriving metropolis, I have to tell myself that this is only temporary. Eventually we will get back to some sense of normalcy... whatever that happens to be, How are you coping wit the virus and what do you think "normal" will look like when the pandemic is over? Subscribe to this podcast by using one of the following: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe on Android Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe on Spotify Contact me using any of following: email - darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dealwithgrief web - http://www.dealingwithmygrief.com voice/message - (240) 778-5200 Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/dealingwithmygrief Instagram - https://instagram.com/dealingwithmygrief  Music provided by Oren Levine (oren@ohljazz.com)