My Story

 

In life, I have suffered many losses. Non-death losses include loss of safety, hope, trust, self-respect, health, mental health, divorce, moving, pets, and job. Deaths include six high school friends who died in a single car accident, a friend with AIDS in 1989, another friend to suicide in 1994, both parents with heart disease and dementia, two very young great grandsons, a daughter with depression and addiction and a sister to homicide.

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In 1978, I was hospitalized in a state psychiatric institution after an extended period of serious trauma and loss. I was labeled "schizophrenic" and forced into "treatment" at Westborough State Hospital in Massachusetts. I had given birth to four babies and was suffering extreme anxiety while separated from them. In 1979, I moved to Gainesville Florida with my young daughters, where I eventually found refuge and peace. I worked cleaning houses, as a nanny, owning a Family Child Care Home, and as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in a hospital.

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As a single mother, I did my best to raise my children throughout the journey. It wasn't easy and they suffered, too. In fact, my daughter Naomi died at the age of 38 after a lifelong struggle with addiction and depression. 

 

Through the work of Transforming Grief, I have been able to forgive myself and others in my life for many painful events and misdeeds. I have learned about how grief and trauma are passed down from one generation to the next.  Buddhist teachings are helping me in deep and powerful ways to improve conditions in my family and community.

 

Currently, I teach several 4-lesson bi-weekly programs in- person and on Zoom: Peer to Peer, Supporting Young People, First Responders Speak and Preparing for Death.

 

The new, innovative program which is done in-person is Transforming Grief Through the Arts, which engages participants through improv, poetry, rap, word games, music appreciation, drawing ,painting, and more ...

 

For more info, please visit the Programs page.

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I want to thank all the people in my life who have helped me to have hope. So many people have inspired, guided and challenged me along the way. 

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In these trying times, it is so hard to find effective help.

In the Transforming Grief Community, we create a safe place to gather for mutual support.

  

 

To view a brief video about my story of loss, click:     

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