I belong to a Facebook Group called Parentless Parents. We are a tribe of individuals who navigate parenting after the loss of our mothers and our fathers. This community was started by my friend and author Allison Gilbert. I initially met Allison when she interviewed me for her book Parentless Parents: How the Loss of Our Mothers…

On August 27th, 1988 I never imagined this would be how I’d spend my 29th wedding anniversary. And certainly, August 13th, 2013 when I retained a divorce attorney, I never would have believed I’d still be married on this particular day. Yet, here I am. The irony is not lost on me. That I am…

Pain is a single word that stands for several – ‘a new beginning.’ One of the most difficult aspects of experiencing pain is not strictly how it impacts us, but also how it unfolds on those around us. I have long said, one of my biggest frustrations of this period of unhappiness is how selfish it…

I remember at the very worst of my divorce stopping for a red light. Now, when I say the worst. I mean the War of the Roses, worst celebrity divorce, beleaguered, I don’t know how I will get out of bed this morning – DIVORCE. As I sat at that light, I thought “What a…

I sit with my marriage counselor. I like to call him “Dr. Phil” because he has that same direct and likable quality. “They used to call me ‘The Mayor of Great Falls,” I say. “I miss that. I enjoyed that big world. I took pride in being there for people. In solving problems and leading…

I am texting a friend. “Now that I have my happy back,” I say. Wow! Not that long ago, I couldn’t imagine that this day would come. I think the overall moral of my story to getting my happy back is to recognize that two wrongs do not make a right. Sure, I wasn’t the…

I walk through the grocery store. I grab a few things and I make my way to the express lane. My friend “Munkee” stands in line before me. “So, how are things going for you Colleen?” he asks. “You know what?” I say. “I’m good. Talking less and smiling more!” “Sounds like a bumper sticker,”…

I sit with friends in the coffee shop. We share a few really great laughs. I realize two things have magically returned to my life. A fairly, constant smile once again accompanies my face. A natural ‘joie de vivre’ is creeping back into my life. And… A sense of peace. I no longer feel hurt…

I am in my car. I am lost in thought as I listen to Sara Evan’s song, “I Get A Little Bit Stronger.” It is a song that is an ode to healing little by little after a lost relationship. Today there are no tears like these songs usually drag out of me. It could…

I feel compelled to share this unbelievable video. It is prompted by the innocence and purity of love of a six year little old girl. I am so taken by the insight and words of this young child that I have actually highlighted below some of her most powerful quotes. Below that you will find…

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