grieving | Sheila Collins

Saying Goodbye to Our Best Friend

by Sheila Collins | Jan 13, 2014 | Grieving, Personal Stories, Story-telling

There’s a lot of empty, silent space in our house these days. Nobody’s sitting at the front window, guarding the perimeter from potential intruders. There’s no greeting as we return home and open the front door, no heralded announcement that guests we have not yet...

The Family Carries On

by Sheila Collins | Jan 5, 2014 | Gatherings, Grieving, Personal Stories, Story-telling

As our plane finally lifts from the ground in Palm Springs CA. we’re offered a panoramic view of the mountains and red tile rooftops on the valley floor. “Goodbye palm trees. Goodbye warm swimming pools and even warmer hot tubs. Goodbye dear family, till the next time...

Towards a Resilient Grief

by Sheila Collins | Dec 20, 2013 | Dances, Grieving, Health, Noteworthy men, Rituals

Like many people around the world, I watched the bereavement rituals for the beloved Nelson Mandela. In my case, I was looking for clues to answer a question that has been on my mind for years. “Can what is done at the time of a death, and immediately afterwards, help...

Healing Astronomical Grief

by Sheila Collins | Nov 26, 2013 | Art & Life, Grieving, Rituals

The evening started with a family ritual. My husband and I had been invited to attend a Friday night Shabbat dinner at a friend’s house. I felt honored to be included in what, for this family, is a weekly event. Prayers and blessings were chanted by the hostess, her...

Resting In Peace

by Sheila Collins | Nov 16, 2013 | Grieving, Story-telling

Last Saturday morning, while visiting the Bay Area, my husband and I were walking in a seaside park dedicated to the memory of the farm labor organizer, Cesar Chavez. As we walked the weather gave a clear demonstration of the micro-climates of the bay area; one...