Ellen Gerst's Blog – September 2009 Archive (3)

Is There A "Right" Time To Stop Wearing Your Wedding Ring?

Many widow/widowers may wonder when is the proper time to remove an engagement ring and/or wedding ring and, after doing so, what should be done with them. The only possible response to this question is -- do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

As there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is also no right or wrong thing to do with your rings or a time frame that needs to be followed. You may choose to wear your rings for the rest of your life, or you may choose to remove them… Continue

Added by Ellen Gerst on September 30, 2009 at 7:00am — 2 Comments

A Letter From A Bereaved Child to His/Her Remaining Parent

When one loses a spouse (and in turn a child loses his/her parent) the depth of the grief may be so profound and the pain so deep, communication between the survivors may falter. Consequently, parent and child may each have a hard time really hearing what the other needs.

I would imagine, if a child had the wisdom to recognize his/her actions for what they truly are and the words to express his/her emotions, the following might be what would be said.

Dear… Continue

Added by Ellen Gerst on September 16, 2009 at 7:00am — No Comments

Listening to What A Bereaved Child Needs

When my late husband committed suicide, my first thought was the impact on our children. How was I possibly going to tell them about this great tragedy that had befallen them, as well as try to eke out some meaning to it? If I didn’t understand it, how could an innocent 10-year old and 15-year old comprehend the idea that their father left this life of his own volition?

There wasn’t a good explanation, but I did try to get them to see that it was about their father and… Continue

Added by Ellen Gerst on September 4, 2009 at 7:00am — No Comments