Community Conversations

10/11/2026

TOOLS FOR THE JOURNEY

A little behind-the-scenes preparation for an upcoming grief and pastoral care workshop with a group of Brazilian pastors and ministry leaders.

We'll be exploring ways to expand our pastoral care toolkits with additional resources and practices for supporting those who are grieving. One of the tools we'll discuss is journaling as a meaningful way to express emotions, process loss, and give voice to feelings that aren't always easy to put into words.

There's always something new to learn and another tool to add to our toolbox!

10/09/2026

Still Becoming…

Last night, I visited an artist friend who showed me a portrait of me she’s been working on for an upcoming exhibit from a 2017 picture. When I first saw it, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings but let’s just say I wasn’t very enthused - lol. Then I remembered that she’s not finished yet - which got me thinking about how much of life is still a work in progress.

Sometimes we’re so focused on the finished product that we struggle to appreciate what’s still taking shape. We get frustrated with ourselves, disappointed by where we are, or even feel a sense of shame because we haven’t accomplished what we thought we would by now.

Whether we’re navigating grief, healing, relationships, or simply trying to figure out what’s next, we don’t have to have it all together all the time. We don’t always have to have ALL of the answers!!! Perhaps we need to get better at extending ourselves a little more grace, especially when life feels uncertain or incomplete. We’re all still becoming, and there’s still beauty in the unfolding. ❤️

10/06/2026

When we understand the fragility of life, we begin to see the value of what once seemed ordinary….

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak on a podcast alongside death doulas and other end-of-life practitioners. One woman shared from both her professional experience and the deeply personal loss of a child.

Her reflection made me think of a simple vase filled with flowers: beautiful, vibrant, and whole. And yet, in an instant, the vase can shatter and everything can change.

Perhaps that is one of the gifts of end-of-life work. Even in the face of death and loss, we are reminded of how precious life is. Recognizing its fragility is not morbid; it can invite us to love more deeply, notice the ordinary and prepare thoughtfully.

Live FULLY! Love DEEPLY!

10/03/2026

The Grief Nobody Brings a Casserole For

There are some forms of grief we automatically respond to. We bring food, send flowers, attend funerals, and make an effort to check in. But people experience other losses that we don't always acknowledge.

Grief expert Dr. Kenneth J. Doka calls this disenfranchised grief: grief connected to losses that aren't always validated or recognized by others. It can leave someone carrying a profound loss without the support or space to openly mourn. It might be the loss of a relationship, a friendship, a pregnancy, a pet, a job, a home, or even grieving someone who is still living but is no longer present in your life in the same way.

Sometimes the grief is very real…but nobody brings a casserole.

Have you ever experienced a loss that felt disenfranchised? One that others didn't fully recognize or understand?



Want to read more? Search: “Kenneth Doka on Grief Counseling and Psychotherapy – Psychotherapy.net.”

09/19/2026

Her Light....

I’m preparing for a very emotional Celebration of Life tomorrow. Sunsets were her favorite thing in the world and will be woven in throughout the service in her honor. There is a time for every season under heaven, and even the setting sun has its appointed hour. Yet its beauty does not disappear; it lingers in the hearts of those who witnessed it.

As we remember her, may the sunsets she loved remind us of her light and the beauty she brought to those around her. Her light remains...

09/13/2026

I recently came across the term “grief spending”. It’s not a clinical diagnosis, but it describes the way that some people spend money as a way to compensate for grief, loss, loneliness, shock, or emotional emptiness.

Grief spending, and its counterpart, "grief shopping" can look different for everyone. It might be buying things for comfort or distraction. Or maybe it's overspending on memorial items, gifts, keepsakes, or services because you want to “do right” by your loved one.

When my grandmother died, I was 29 years old and responsible for making all of her end of life decisions, as well as the service(s) afterwards. I remember opting for one of the most expensive caskets because "she deserved it".

Grief spending becomes concerning when it creates debt, secrecy, guilt, conflict, or financial instability.

Have you ever noticed grief showing up in the way you spend money?




1m

09/12/2026

Grateful to share this moment with friends who are each doing meaningful work in ministry, grief support, and the nonprofit world. Carmen Vega with Lazarus House Ministries, Leslie Martinez with The Grieving Youth And Families Of The Merrimack Valley and Eunice Mohika with Kingdom Voices Community Church. So good to come together to support and witness the beautiful work happening at Valley of Hope Shelter and Recovery. Love you all. ❤️

09/11/2026

Sometimes the heart feels heavy and words feel insufficient. On this 25th year since September 11, 2001, pausing in honor and remembrance.

07/31/2026

Today is the last day to add your voice to our interactive community mural. Over the past few weeks, people have dreamed out loud about:

• Going to Italy
• Walking to the ocean
• Being a good papa
• Graduating
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail
• Visiting the Grand Canyon
• Spending more time with the people they love

It’s been meaningful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and dreams with us! We'll be sharing a few more photos over the weekend.

07/23/2026

This Sunday is the LAST of the season! Join us!

We’re sharing our updated schedule for the remainder of the 2026 season.
A few important notes:
* No Death Café gatherings will be held in March or June
* Our last gathering of the season will take place on the last Sunday of July
Thank you for being part of this community.
We are also available to facilitate pop-up Death Cafés in your community.