Finding comfort and strength
Updated October 1, 2026
THE HEART OF OUR MEMORIES
A fun little quiz to reflect on your own memories:
. What was the most challenging part of your first job? . Did you ever play an instrument?
. What books did you love to read growing up? . What moment in history would you like to have been part of?
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EMPOWERING WORDS FOR TODAY
***Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if you remember to turn on the light***
***If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not people or things***
***Nothing in the world is as contagious as laughter and good humor***
*** Happiness comes from you. No one else can make you happy. You make you happy***
Page updated October 1, 2026
Books and online support
Sometimes, finding the right words or a different perspective can make a profound difference. You can find many books on grief in your local library, on Amazon and the internet. Speaking with family and friends can also bring comfort.
I saw this from a grieving person and wanted to share it with you....
I wish someone had told me when I became a widow that:
1. No one tells you how quiet your house will feel.
2. Or how loud your thoughts will get.
3. How many times you will replay the last day.
4. How often you will have to answer questions.
5. How exhausting it is pretending you are OK.
6. How people slowly stop checking in on you.
7. How grief shows up in your body, not just in your heart.
8. how you will become someone you don't even recognize.
9. How strong you will be forced to be.
10. Or that some how, you will still keep going.
Healing activities
Today we are fortunate to have so many healing activities at our disposal - we just have to reach out. Such as joining a yoga class, a walk in nature with a friend, listening to our favorite album, writing in a journal, joining a craft class.
I am grateful to have my little Jasper to help around the house. As you know he does love helping with laundry or as we see here, he loves to go get the paper for me. Thanks to Ken who taught him.
Now his favorite thing is to go out on the balcony every morning where his strawberry plant is now producing strawberries and he does get one every morning.
An update on my little helper Jasper. He can now go get the Citizen newspaper all by himself. It's time to start training him on other chores.
Local support groups and articles
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly helpful and supportive. I joined a Coffee Club in my community and met the most wonderful ladies who have supported me throughout my grief.
Another wonderful afternoon with friends, this time gathering in my home for a cooking class featuring fine herbs. And I would definitely say it was a success. We were all busy as little bees, each preparing our own recipe, cooking up a storm and filling the house with delicious smells. Once everything was cooked and ready, we all sat down together to enjoy the meal we had prepared. And yes, we can be silly when we are together. That is all part of healing, having fun, and enjoying life. You will see that we are still using that famous cigarette prop that somehow seems to keep hanging around our group. No worries ... they are only props, it's all in good fun.
It was a wonderful afternoon filled with a great meal, lots of laughter and plenty of fun. I am pretty sure everyone is already looking forward to the next cooking class at Gail's.
Sometimes the best medicine is not found in a bottle. It is found around a table with friends sharing laughter in the middle of healing.
Laughter does not erase grief but it can give our hearts a gentle place to rest for a little while.
Remember to take a break from grief.
List
OCTOBER 1, 2026
NOTE: A number of people have found this list very helpful and recently asked me not to take it off the website just yet because others may still need it. So I am leaving it here. If it helps even one more person feel a little less overwhelmed during such a difficult time, then it has served its purpose...
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When Ken passed away my grief was overwhelming and I never realized that I had to notify so many institutions, banks, insurances, beneficiary documents. To me the most heartbreaking was when I had to remove him from the deed to our home . I was told this had to be done to protect both of us. It felt like I was erasing a part of our life together.
The funeral home was a tremendous help to me. For a few hundred dollars, they provided an invaluable service by notifying and advising many institutions on my behalf
I am providing a Closing Affairs Task List. A guide to help navigate the many steps that follow the loss of a loved one.
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Comments
Priceless moments with amazing friends at Gail Ken 💚❤️
Thank you Gail for all of your advise and sharing your stories. I copied the list you shared and place it with my estate documents. :o)
Thank you Gail Ken, you're an inspiration... Your way of helping warms my heart ❤️