Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Grief During the Holidays and Book Discount "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" only $8.95

Grief and mourning during the holidays can be very draining, not only for those mourning the loss of a loved one, but for those around you also. Our friends and family want us to be happy, but at times, it seems like there's nothing that can help us lift this despair. Sometimes, all you need is someone to listen or perhaps a read from someone who has been in your shoes and understands what you're experiencing.

During this sometimes stressful period, I'd like to offer my book, "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" at an appreciable discount. My mission is and always has been to get the book out to those who really need to read it -- or get it into the hands of those who know someone that needs to read it. Perhaps you are that someone or know that someone in your family, community or circle of friends.

Please use this direct link for your discount. If you would like the book autographed, please email me at onwingspress@yahoo.com or write a short note on the special instructions on the paypal order page. You do not have to be a member of paypal, but can pay securely with major credit card.

You can go to the link on my website or the link on the right to order through paypal.

Website:
http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com/order.html

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Judi's House for Grieving Kids

Judi’s House was founded by Brian Griese in honor and in memory of his mother who died when he was twelve years old.

The vision of Judi's House is a community in which no child has to feel alone in grief. Our mission is to help children and families who are grieving the death of a loved one find hope and healing within themselves. At Judi's House, an environment of acceptance and understanding allows children and adults in peer support groups to share the experience of loss with others. Judi’s House increases awareness and knowledge of grieving children’s needs by extending grief support services to schools, faith-based groups, hospices, and other caregivers in the community.
Judi's House is located in Denver, Colorado, and more than 2,600 children and their adult caregivers from the metro area have participated in our groups since we opened our doors in 2002.

"The death of a loved one can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. For a child, whose entire experience of the world is defined by their connection to a handful of people, the death of one of those people can be isolating, confusing, life-altering … devastating. While other family members are overcome with their own experience of grief and loss, children often become forgotten mourners." http://www.judishouse.org//">

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Radio Interview with a Twist

On June 17th I was invited to be interviewed on Blog Talk Radio by Michael Gogger, and this was a first for me, because Michael is a psychic medium. He was gracious enough to invite me to be on his show and it was a wonderful experience. Take a listen and visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Michael-Gogger/2009/06/17/Elaine-Williams-on-The-Michael-Gogger-Show/">

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Guest Post by Richard Moyle -- Mesothelioma Cancer Center at Asbestos.com.

The Process of Grief
This is a guest post by Richard Moyle from the Mesothelioma Cancer Center at Asbestos.com. Asbestos.com is committed to providing the latest, up-to-date information to our visitors in the hopes of spreading awareness about the dangers of asbestos cancer.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. This type of cancer is typically diagnosed in its later stages and is usually difficult to treat. This is because the cancer has an unusually long latency period and mesothelioma symptoms do not begin to show for at least 25 years after exposure. The typical life expectancy of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma is about one year after diagnosis.

Losing a loved one, whether it be a tragic accident or an illness, is one of the most difficult things to cope with and no two people deal with the loss of a loved one the same way. However, there is a general process that most people go through after the death of someone close to them.

British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby has presented a 4-step process
that looks at grief through the eyes of someone who wants to continue living even though their loved one has passed on. Bowlby clarifies that the stages of the grieving process can shift and overlap and remarks that ALL stages of the grief process may even take place at the same time and that the amount of time spent in each may be controlled by a huge number of factors including age, personality, and the conditions surrounding the death of the loved one.
The 4-step process is as follows:

• Shock and Numbness – Feelings of unreality and de-personalization (i.e. "This isn’t happening to me."), people in this stage practice "self-protective" behaviors, which makes them appear stoic but that is just a defense mechanism against pain.

• Yearning and Searching – Also known as "pining", the bereaved longs to be with the deceased. Some say they see or hear the deceased during this stage. The bereaved speculates how they will get along without their loved one. This is a long stage for many, but some pass through it rather quickly.

• Disorganization and Despair – Mourning sets in. The bereaved may experience deep depression or despair and feelings of bleakness. Some individuals require therapy during this time, especially when anguish hinders everyday activities or results in contemplation of suicide.

• Reorganization – The bereaved "assimilates" their loss. The person who has reached reorganization is now learning how to live life without their loved one. This stage may represent a redefinition of life for many individuals.
There is no set amount of time for each of the first three stages and anyone can get stuck in one for a long amount of time. This is not a problem as long as it does not interfere with things like the person’s job or personal relationships. If that point is reached, it is helpful for a friend to step in and assist the bereaved in seeking professional help.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Author's Show on the air Today

I had an interesting interview with Don McCauley of The Authors Show, which is getting a lot of press and alot of traffic to their site. The interview is about 15 minutes and you can listen to it here all day on April 8 at http://www.theauthorsshow.com/">

Monday, March 23, 2009

Author's Show Interview April 8

I had an interesting interview with Don McCauley of The Authors Show, which is getting a lot of press and alot of traffic to their site. The interview is about 15 minutes and you can listen to it here all day on April 8 at http://www.theauthorsshow.com/">

Friday, March 13, 2009

Can Spring be in the Air?


Where I live in the mountains, Spring likes to tickle and tease, then jumps back and away as we get more snow and winds, bringing the temperature from a March 45 degrees to a 14 degree morning. I’ve lived here 30 years, and I’ve learned you can’t be fooled by what “appears” to be Spring. I admit I’m anxious for the warmer weather. Even more time outdoors, no heavy boots, coats or gloves. I do enjoy some parts of the winter, I still hike, snowshoe or x country skiing, snowmobiling, but those windy, - degree weather days, those I don’t miss.

Every day for the last few weeks I’ve been taking the pup out for hikes over our old logging roads out back. Yesterday we went quite deep and up the mountain, and began coming down some ledges, when behind us I heard dogs howling and yipping from where we’d just come. So we hotfooted it out of there. Myself and a 28 lb. border collie/australian shepard 5 month pup might not be a match for 4 or 5 wild dogs. I’ve run into this from time to time, but thus far I’ve been lucky…so, extra precautions next time we’re off into the woods.

So, this weekend looks like it will be in the 50’s, and perhaps Spring is teasing us again, and Monday and Tuesday it may drop back down to the 20’s again, but I guess I’ll take the warmer temperatures this weekend. Family gatherings and then on to swing dancing on Saturday evening. Should be fun.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

16 year olds in charge of the world

What would that be like? For myself, this is the 3rd time I've experienced life with a 16 year old boy, so I can't speak for girls.

As a parent I wouldn't have to worry anymore about the decisions they're making, why they resist curfew or the notion that they're speeding down some dark road, literally and figuratively.

Being in charge, they'd hopefully have a pretty good handle on how situations will turn out, before they join other 16 year olds and charge into a situation.

"Stay out of my life and my things" will become pretty much a standard, accepted phrase.

16 year olds in charge of the world -- think of the stress, fear and tears it will save parents...............
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Nahhh, I don't buy it. I guess some of us will just have to keep on letting them think they're in charge of their world, while we look out on our end, teach them the best we can, and then hope for the best.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Win a Copy of A Journey Well Taken Today

Visit Bobby Ozuna's blog and post a comment about my book and/or radio interview on The Soul of Humanity Radio, and a winner will receive a signed copy of "A Journey Well Taken".

http://inotauthor.blogspot.com/2009/03/elaine-williams-author-interview-author.html/">

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Desert Year - A Blog About the Desolation of Losing a Child

I found a blog today -- or rather Gannet Girl found me. It's "Desert Year", URL below, the heartbreaking reflections of a parent having lost their 24 year old child only 6 months ago. I lost my spouse, the father of my children, and that was an experience I struggled with for five years. To my way of thinking, losing a child would seem to be absolutely the most devastating experience anyone could endure.

I too have a twenty four year old son.
http://www.desertyear.blogspot.com/">

The Soul of Humanity Interview March 4


The Soul of Humanity Radio Interview March 4 at 8 p.m. ET with writer and promoter Bobby Ozuna at http://artistfirst.com/bobbyozuna.htm">

We will be talking about self-publishing in relation to my book, A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss, and also my new book coming out in April on healing grief through emotional releases. Heal Your Pain, Releasing the Emotions of Grief and Loss.

Stop by during the show. I will also be giving away a copy of A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Book Contest

Book Contest giveaway for March. Win a copy of A Journey Well Taken: Life AFter Loss by Elaine Williams. To enter, send an email to media (at) onwingspress.com with ENTER ME in the subject line.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Karing4Kerri cause and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

A friend in NJ just told me about a neighbor of hers, whose granddaughter, Kerri is about 20 years old now and developed a terrible disease while in High School a few years ago. When you hear about things like this, you suddenly are reminded of how good your life is, and how important is our own and our children's health.

Kerri Jarvis has been struggling with a neurological disorder called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. There is a Treatment in Germany that has a good chance of putting her in remission if it works. It will cost about $80,000 for the trip this summer. They have raised around $40,000 so far. If she is not able to get the treatment or go into remission, the Doctors give her only a couple of years to live. Even if you can donate $5, it would be a big help to them. There is a way to give with a credit card and paypal.

http://karing4kerri.com">

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Alone on Valentine's Day

Elaine Williams
copyright 2009
According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are approximately 700,000 new widows every year. The emotional and monetary problems that affect those experiencing widowhood are staggering. This is no small problem, as 32% of women aged 55 and older live alone, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

Being alone during special days like Valentine’s Day can be incredibly painful for those who have lost a loved one. It's often considered a special day for couples, and if you’re recently bereaved, it can be an especially difficult time to get through. One way to lessen any negative impact of this day is to plan ahead – perhaps go out to dinner with friends or a movie. Create something special for yourself.

The stress of dealing with the death of a spouse makes it quite difficult to function at times. In addition to the loss of income, the widow or widower may also face debt issues and the pressure of becoming a single parent. When you lose someone you love, it is a permanent wound on the heart. Loss of any kind is never easy, but you can begin to enjoy life once more, even if it’s only one evening at a time. Be kind to yourself.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Virtual Blog Tour of Sites Related to Loss, Grief and Bereavement

Blog Tour
This list is a wonderful compilation of books, blogs, websites, services, magazine….all related in some manner to loss, grief and bereavement. This is by no means a complete list, but it is a start.

(No endorsement is made and all sites listed are for information purposes only.)

A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss by Elaine Williams, a widow’s journey through loss, grief and renewal. http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com. Blog: http://www.ajourneywelltaken.blogspot.com Midwest Book Review, 5 Stars.
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Dave Pipitone - "The Hope Patch", http://www.thehopepatch.com is a way to remember those who have passed on. Articles and resources for living with hope for new life.
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Wendy L. Christensen: An inspirational letter written by Wendy at 15, to her older brother Travis who died at 17. “This letter was therapeutic for me and I have received so many emails and phone calls over it. My brother, Travis, had a huge impact on my life.” "It's the Little Moments that Matter" contains 26 simple steps to enrich every moment of life! http://www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com/travis.html
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Jane Galbraith’s "Baby Boomers Face Grief - Survival and Recovery". Jane’s background is a degree in nursing and 20 years working in the community health care system. If you would like more info on the book you can find the introductory chapter and her bio etc at http://www.trafford.com/05-2319
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Carol Ann Loehr - Website for Understanding Suicide & Depression – http://www.thegiftofkeith.org
On March 29, 1999 , our son Keith died by suicide. At the time of his death I had no knowledge of suicide, and I was inundated with inaccurate and outdated description of suicide and its causes. In 2002, I created a website of information to help comfort and educate survivors of suicide, as well as clergy, health care professionals and counselors. In 2006 I wrote a children's book, “My Uncle Keith Died”. This book helps explain a death by suicide and the illness of depression. Available at Trafford Publishing or call Toll Free (888)232-4444; and Amazon.com.
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Sandy Fox - "I Have No Intention of Saying Goodbye." Sandy interviewed 25 sets of parents about the death of a child and how they have moved on with their lives. Sandy’s story is in the book also. http://www.sandyfoxauthor.comwww.survivinggrief.blogspot.com
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Annette Gonzalez: http://www.marinasabundance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.orphanat60.com Annette writes and speaks about feeling like an "orphan" at sixty years of age. Her father died five months after her mother. Shares her experiences as a daughter, caregiver, wife and mother.
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The Light Beyond, Lucie Storrs – http://www.thelightbeyond.com Grief forum, inspirational movie and helpful bereavement site. “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep” ebook of over 250 sympathy poems, quotations and readings for funerals, memorial services and inner peace. “If There's Anything I Can Do” guide for friends and families of the bereaved.
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Research Study on Social Relationships and Loss
A new study on social relationships and loss is being conducted by a doctoral student at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. You are invited to participate in this important new study investigating interpersonal relationships and how they might have affected your feelings about your loss.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=yXh28AbGKsj9ycoMzVE7ew_3d_3d
Questions or would like the questionnaires sent to you, contact Naomi Edelson by phone at (415) 290-0164 or by email at lossresearch@gmail.com.
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A Masters degree and 24 years of Adoption Social Work did not prepare Chris Mulligan for the devastation after the death of her son, Zac. Her grief journey, revealed through “Afterlife Agreements: A Gift From Beyond” describes in detail the mother/son relationship that continues beyond death through documented signs and communication. Healing and a new life emerged as the result of learning about life lessons, death and the afterlife. http://Afterlifebooks.com
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Harry Line Helping Parents Deal with The Loss of Their Baby - http://the-harry-line-helpingparents.blogspot.com/
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Fran Dorf’s acclaimed, internationally published psychological novels include A Reasonable Madness (Birch Lane, Signet, 1990/91), Flight (Dutton/Signet, 1992/93), and Saving Elijah (Putnam, 2000), which was inspired by the tragic death of Fran’s son, Michael, and which a starred Publisher’s Weekly review called, “a stunning tale that crackles with suspense, dark humor, and provocative questions.” A bereavement and creativity expert and psychotherapist, Fran holds advanced degrees in journalism, psychology, and social work. She is currently working on a book of personal essays called, “How I Lost My Bellybutton and Other Survival Stories"; and writes poetry, essays and articles on a variety of topics including bereavement. Using her unique background and experience, Fran has developed the WRITE TO HEAL WORKSHOP, which employs exercises, and fictional/interrogative techniques, some arising out of themes developed in Saving Elijah, to deepen and clarify self knowledge, stimulate the imagination, and generate meaningful story, memoir, metaphor, and/or image around loss. Fran has conducted the Workshop with a variety of groups including the bereaved, addicted, traumatized, homeless, women’s groups, those dealing with chronic or serious illness, and the mentally ill. Her essay, “My Son’s Name Was Michael – Not Elijah,” will be published in an anthology on therapeutic writing this spring. Fran is also an active philanthropist, and has a blog called THE BRUISED MUSE, an e-zine on “grief, life and everything in between” at http://www.frandorf.com/. For a workshop with your group, or for individual psychotherapy or counseling, contact Fran directly at frandorf@aol.com.
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Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation National Conference on Widowhood, San Diego, California -- July 17-19, 2009
This event will provide a variety of inspiring role models, a hope-filled, supportive environment, and programs focused on giving women the tools they need to rebuild their lives after the devastating loss of a spouse. http://www.sslf.org/conference.html
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Sharon - Grandma is a writer - http://grandmaisawriter.blogspot.com/ Shares thoughts about writing, about life and to promote the book, “Aloha is Forever” about the loss of her son in Hawaii who went on a hike and disappeared. http://www.tnchristianpublishers.com/products

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Tiffany - Life after his Death -- Perspectives encountered from loss. http://acancerwidow.blogspot.com/
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Christa Scalies lost her close friend Jim to suicide in 2005. Christa was on a self-destructive suicidal path but the shock of her friend’s death actually helped save her life. Experiencing the devastation of his sudden passing caused her to examine every detail of her life. Christa embarked on a path of self-healing, learning and laughing. In 2008 she created Giggle On!, a motivational and inspirational web site, to share her story and help empower people to enjoy the lighter and happier sides of life. Christa works to raise money and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. http://www.giggleon.com.
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Crumbling Walls - a mother grieves the loss of her 18 year old son to suicide - http://crumblingwalls.wordpress.com/
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Janine - Widow and mother of 6 Blog, One Breath at a Time - http://txmomx6.blogspot.com/
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Carol O’Dell – Author “Mothering Mother: A Daughter’s Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir” ISBN – 13:978-1-60164-003-1. http://www.Mothering-Mother.com - Family Advisor at http://www.caring.com/familyadvisor Blog - http://carolodell.wordpress.com
A bitingly humorous and unflinchingly honest memoir. Carol's mother has Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer’s, and a heart condition and Carol's decision not to put her mother "in one of those homes" has far-reaching consequences for her family. She must learn to Mother her own mother. This refreshing and entertaining memoir will help baby boomers struggling with their own decisions on elder care in the home.
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Widowsbreathe Coaching: Mie Elmhirst, CPCC, PCC provides Coaching, Support and Information for Widows www.widowsbreathe.com

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Keepsakes, Etc. features Sympathy Throws as a bereavement gift for family and friends. They will embroider personalized messages on most throws and ship nationwide. http://www.keepsakes-etc.com/sympathygift.html
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“Room for Two” by Widower Abel Keogh - http://abelkeogh.com/room-for-two/
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Beautiful Earthen Urns - http://spiritkeeper-urns.com/
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Resolving Grief with Hypnosis and EFT -Carol Henderson Certified Hypnotherapist
EFT Practitioner
New Day Hypnotherapy, LLC
Kansas City Area
Carol@NewDayHypno.com
http://www.newdayhypno.com/resolving_grief_with_hypnosis_and_eft.html
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Marsha at “Breathings of the Heart” - Marsha began the blog as an outlet of musings, writings and journaling following the loss of her husband in 2005. Today, it continues to be an extension of her journey... may you enjoy the travels with her.
http://mfisteach.blogspot.com/
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Cathy - Lessons From Lou - http://lessonsfromlou.blogspot.com/ - Cathy’s journey through the brain tumor world with her husband, Lou.
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Ian - Single Parent Dad - http://www.singleparentdad.blogspot.com
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Bill- Dying Man’s Daily Journal - http://hudds53.wordpress.com/
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The Price of Love - http://thepriceoflove.net/ - a father's journey through breast cancer, bereavement and recovery.
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Maureen’s Mission - http://www.maureensmission.org/thebook.php .- Breast Cancer Advocacy – One couple’s journey through misdiagnosis.
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Lisa - Grace Between the Lines - http://bump-on-the-road.blogspot.com/ - Blog continues in memory of Annette, with a new name, Grace Between the Lines by her sister, Lisa.
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Dr. Doris Jeanette, a holistic psychologist with 33 years of experience showing people how to find their own inner strengths, and author of" Opening the Heart", an emotional guide into healing your grieving heart from the bottom outward. http://www.drjeanette.com
Speaker, columnist, radio host and author of Opening the Heart, Overcoming Anxiety Naturally and 14 other self help products.
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Eric Tomei - http://www.lostdadsclub.com/ Help me raise 1 Million dollars for Habitat for Humanity. It was my Dad's favorite charity. Please help me honor his memory and support this great organization. Author “I Miss My Dad.” Eric is an ordinary guy who wrote about her dad to deal with his grief.

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Cindy Bullens – Recording artists and songwriter. http://www.cindybullens.com/workshop/ - “Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth: Grieving Out Loud”.

"When my daughter Jessie died on March 23, 1996, just weeks after her eleventh birthday, I felt my own life end. I couldn't imagine that I could ever again be a productive human being. Cindy has touched thousands of people around the world with Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth's inspired songs of despair and loss, love and hope.”

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Betsy – author ISABELLE'S DREAM - Based on the true story of two sisters, / Isabelle’s Dream/ takes the reader on a heartwarming journey from grief to hope. The book's black-and-white illustrations invite children to bring their own creativity to each page, using crayons, markers, colored pencils, or even glitter glue. After coloring the sisters’ shimmering wings, butterflies, gardens, the earth, and the sea, boys and girls will find several blank activity pages. These pages encourage children to create original drawings or words.

Available through Quality of Life Publishing (www.qolpublishing.com; to order call *1-877-513-0099* during regular business hours Eastern time) or via amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

In memory of Sophia Zartarian Nagle, author Betsy Bottino Arenella is donating 100 percent of royalties from /Isabelle's Dream/ to the national charitable SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) Program (www://sudc.org ). To learn more about Sophia's life and the birth of Isabelle's Dream, visit www.isabellesdream.org
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http://widowsvoice-sslf.blogspot.com/ Widow's Voice - A place to find your own voice, to hear other widow's voices...and to find comfort in the fact that you are not alone.

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Grief Sites
http://www.youngwidow.com – Provides a forum for young widows and widowers to connect online, find understanding and validation of their feelings so that they are able to recover their joy for life, reclaim their identities and rebuild their futures.
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http://indygriefloss.com/index.htm - Indianapolis Grief & Loss Consulting Services
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http://mymeaningfullife.com/ - Finding Meaning in Grief & Loss
Ligia M. Houben, is an author, consultant and educator. She consults with individuals and corporations on life transitions with the purpose of providing meaningful tools to transform losses and challenges. She obtained her B.A. from the University of Miami in psychology and Religious Studies and a Masters Degree in religious studies and gerontology from Florida International University. Ligia also has a Graduate Certificate in Loss and Healing from St. Thomas University and is a Certified Grief Counselor, a Certified Addiction Counselor and a Certified Thanatologist: death, dying and bereavement.
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http://www.aarp.org/families/grief_loss/ - AARP – Helpful Links for Those After Loss of a loved one.
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http://www.bereavementmag.com/page.cfm?pageid=9009 - Hope and Healing for the Body, Mind and Spirit. Living with Loss Magazine
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http://www.centerforloss.com/index.php - Center for Loss and Life Transition
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http://www.compassionbooks.com/store/index.php - More than 400 books, videos, and audios to help children and adults through serious illness, death and dying, grief, bereavement, and losses of all kinds, including divorce, suicide, trauma, and violence. Reviewed and selected by knowledgeable professionals.
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http://www.coping-with-loss-and-grief.com/index.html - Grief Counseling, Bereavement Counseling
Individuals, Families, Small Grief Counseling Groups
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http://www.elisabethkublerross.com/index.html - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross - Grief & Bereavement
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http://www.goodbooksnw.com/ - GoodBooksNW is an independent online bookseller specializing in books on divorce, blended families and grief.
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http://www.goodgriefresources.com/ - Bereavement, Loss and Grief Resources
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http://www.griefsjourney.com/index.php?&MMN_position=1:1 - Grief's Journey, where the primary focus is on the bereavement for the loss of a spouse and life partner.
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http://www.groww.org/Branches/gfwo.htm - GROWW For Widowed allows us to be or do whatever it takes to move forward, to know that letting go of the pain is not letting go of the memory of the love.
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http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm - Coping with Grief and Loss, Support for Grieving and Bereavement
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http://www.missfoundation.org/index.html - M.I.S.S. Foundation, support when a child dies
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http://atruecalling-truewonder.blogspot.com/ Truewonder lost her eldest son in 2003, little did I know that starting a blog in 2008 was the healing balm I most needed. It is a cleverly disguised blog about a sustainable farmer...as I have become just that. It started it out as farmer related stories, but my writing revealed to me that my grief, joy experiences were stories that caused many ripples in the lives of others.
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http://www.momminusdad.com/ - Do you struggle to find resources and advice while you juggle your life with the needs of a newly widowed parent? Author Jamieson Haverkampf, gleaned intimate knowledge of balancing her own life with a newly widowed parent, having aided her fifty-six-year-old widowed mother in Virginia, while running her real estate business in California, after the early unpredicted loss of her father to cancer. “Mom Minus Dad”.
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http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF9618-1372-4D20-C807F41CB3E97654 - Coping With Bereavement - Mental Health America
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http://www.onecaringplace.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1233108612 - Publications to help you help others – One Caring Place
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http://www.ourhouse-grief.org/services.html#opt3 - Our House, Helping Grieving Hearts Heal, Child and Adolescent Grief
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http://www.pamblair.com - Pamela D. Blair, Ph.D., therapist and co-author of “I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One” (Sourcebooks, Inc.) as well as the companion workbook.
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http://www.hospicenet.org/ - Hospice - For patients and families facing life-threatening illness
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http://www.solacehouse.org/ - Solace House - A Center for Grieving Children and their Families.
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Open to Hope Foundation and The Grief Blog at http://www.opentohope.com and http://www.thegriefblog.com - Articles, radio show and information to help those who have suffered a loss.
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Widowslist - A blog and community where widows share problems and triumphs with lists of helpful people, companies and services. http://www.widowslist.com
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Jenslove – http://www.jenslove.com/"> – cofounders Mark Manning and Jessica Caron. A place to celebrate those loved and lost
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Loss, Grief and Bereavement – National Cancer Institute www.ncipoet.com/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/bereavement/Patient/page9
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American Widow Project - http://americanwidowproject.org/index.php?link=1 - The American Widow Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the new generation of those who have lost the heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on healing through sharing stories, tears and laughter………Military Widow to Military Widow
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Garden of Innocence National – Dignified burial for abandoned children http://www.gardenofinnocence.org/keegansstory.html
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Neil Chethik - http://www.neilchethik.com/fatherloss.htm - Author “Father Loss, How Sons of All Ages Come to Terms with the Death of their Dads.”

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Guest Blogger at "Love is an Exploding Cigar" on Self-Publishing

Samantha Hunter, published author of Blaze romances, has a blog at http://www.loveisanexplodingcigar.com/"> and she has graciously invited me to be a guest blogger on the topic of self publishing, Thursday, January 29. I will be giving away two copies of my book, A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss, so stop by and say hello.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Last Call for Blog Tour - Grief and Loss Sites

Please contact me if you have a grief related book, site, blog, etc. I will include your information when I post the blog tour this week.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Swing Dancing Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend in the northeast when I attended an all weekend swing dance flurry. It was great fun and since I volunteered at the event I met some wonderful people. There were all ages from college students and up. Dances with live bands Friday and Saturday, and dance workshops Saturday and Sunday. By Sunday evening I was more than ready to call it quits. I learned the Charleston, shim sham and the Swing Out. Plus, all kind of new moves on the East Coast Swing. I had taken lessons for several months last year and this month began regular swing dance lessons again.

It's a great social event and I love watching to see what the dancers can do with swing!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Book Contest Winners

Congratulations to the 2 contest winners Jan K. and Christina L. K.

Each will get a copy of "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss".

For our next contest, please send an email to media (@) onwingspress (dot) com with ENTER ME in the subject line.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Blog Tour on Grief, Loss, Bereavement Related Information - Participants Needed

To create as much exposure as possible to the death, dying and bereavement topic, I will be doing a blog tour at the end of January. I am gathering information on any and all books/websites, blogs, information related to Loss, grief, bereavement, thanatology, death and dying, widows, widowers, bereaved parents, brothers, sister, etc. Anyone interested in being included can email me at
onwingspress@ yahoo.com with your URL, short blurb of book or website. If you're not sure if your topic fits, ask me.

I post to approximately 15 different blogs/sites/ groups related to this
topic, including my own websites and blog sites. Currently, my blog is googled within approximately 6 hours of my posts -- I've been tracking this with
google keywords for six months.

All I ask is that you post the same on your site on the same day -- and I will send you the post already formatted.

Depending on response, I will be doing this about the last week of
January.

I also plan to include grief and bereavement related sites that I have
been in contact with. So pass this along to anyone who fits into this topic.

Elaine Williams

Friday, January 2, 2009

Widowslist.com - Widow Support

I ran across a helpful site for widows. It's called WidowsList and it's located at http://www.widowslist.com/">

The site was begun by Sandra Pesmen and the Mission statement is as follows:
"Our community aims to provide a platform where "Women in the Widow 'hood" have a voice; and where they can discuss their unique challenges, conflicts, solutions and joys; families, friends, jobs and leisure time. The "Widows' Lists" offer practical and tested places where widows have found answers and trustworthy service providers."

Widowslist has a chat/blog with helpful articles and information, such as "Beware After-Funeral 'Predators'", and "How Do You Handle Those Anniversary Reactions?"

Also, there's helpful information in regards to topics such as:
Financial
Physical Health
Mental Health
Real Estate
Home and Garden
Travel
Romance
Beauty
Events

Anywhere But Here Blog - Near Homelessness

In these tough economic times, sometimes we lose sight of all that we do have, and how fortunate many of us are in this life. Just surf on over to 16 year old Katy's blog, "Anywhere but Here - Near Homelessness" at http://destinationanywherebuthere.blogspot.com/">