I Am A Griever

Pet Loss: When People Fall Silent

April 21, 2024

A few days after the birth of my younger brother, my father was taking the dog he and my mother adopted from the humane society, along with my twin and I, to the veterinarian. Years later, my father would share how many times he wiped his eyes on the car ride there. Yoda shared 16…

Blog Post / I Am A Griever / pet loss

Angie – Cumulative grief, cumulative trauma

July 29, 2023

Angie discusses the challenges of policing and how trauma and grief can accumulate

First Responders / Grief and Trauma / I Am A Griever / Video

Joyce – Your other children

April 23, 2023

Joyce discusses how her daughter dealt helped her as well as dealing with the loss of her brother.

Death of a Child / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / I Am A Griever / Video

Adam – Story 1

December 21, 2022

Adam shares about losing his Mom and the many wonderful things he remembers

Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / My Story Video / Video

Lyss – Depression, Anxiety, and Self Harm

March 23, 2023

Depression, anxiety, self harm, theapy, support, mental health, suicide

Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / Suicide / Supporting Others / Video

Jim – Humour and grief

June 13, 2023

Jim talks about how humour can help us cope with grief. “I’m Irish, and we have a saying that ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ I believe that humour can help us to see the lighter side of life, even in the midst of pain. It can help us to connect with others, and it can help us to find hope. I encourage you to find ways to laugh, even when you’re grieving. It might not always be easy, but it can make a big difference.”

First Responders / I Am A Griever / Video

Saved by a Unicorn: How I Found the Positive in Grief, One Stitch at a Time

May 16, 2023

Looking back, I had no idea how to even continue to live. A simple attempt at something therapeutic sent the negative bereavement energy into a positive direction. It made me realize my strengths, at a time when I felt I had none at all. It provided a space where I am now better able to manage grief when it hits.

Art / Blog Post / Death of a Partner / I Am A Griever

Kristal – Anger with Grief

April 23, 2023

Kristal discusses finding ways to channel her anger due to poor policy leading to deaths from drug poisoning and those individuals not having the support they needed. She discusses how human beings have the right to be flawed and should have the ability to grow, heal, and change.

Death By Overdose / Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic / I Am A Griever / I Am A Professional / Video

Betsy – Adoption and grief

January 26, 2023

Betsy tell her story of losing her adopted son to cancer

Death of a Child / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others / Video

Keeping Records

November 17, 2023

I pulled the photos out of their envelope one at a time, turning over each one to carefully record the date, place, and people in the photo. Sometimes, I included comments. “Apple picking in Hamilton with Pop Pop, Fall, 2023. You loved the wagon ride!”. I slipped each picture into an empty pocket in my son’s photo album.

Blog Post / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever

John – Dating again

February 23, 2023

John talks about being asked by his daughters if he would ever date again

Death of A Loved One / Death of a Partner / I Am A Griever / Video

Jim – Preparation

June 13, 2023

Jim shares here is no way to truly prepare for the experiences that you will see as a police officer. You can read about it, talk to veteran officers, and even watch videos, but until you are personally involved in something, you will never know how it will affect you. The best way to deal with the challenges of being a police officer is to expect the unexpected and to be prepared to handle anything that comes your way. Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with the stress of the job, and there are many other officers who understand what you are going through. If you are considering a career in law enforcement, be sure to do your research and talk to as many people as you can before you make your decision

First Responders / I Am A Griever / Video