Admiral Jim Stockdale was a prisoner of war during Vietnam. In fact, he was the highest ranking military officer in the camp in Hanoi, a place where prisoners had zero rights. He was held captive there for eight years during which he was tortured more than 20 times. He was one of the few to … Continue reading Embracing the Stockdale Paradox
Tag: Grief
Under Construction
It seems like the last several times that we have been on the interstate, we have hit an area of construction that has either really slowed us down or resulted in us taking an alternate route. It is so frustrating to be cruising along making great time (beating the ETA on the GPS) when all … Continue reading Under Construction
It’s No Secret
I treasure the time that I get to spend with other grieving parents. That sounds odd, right? I wouldn’t have chosen this path had there been an option. None of us would have. Yet here we are. So we travel it together. There is just something about spending time with someone who is on the … Continue reading It’s No Secret
The Truth Behind the Smile
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 We spent this past weekend at the While We’re Waiting Refuge in Hot Springs with several other parents whose children have run ahead to Heaven. I know it sounds like a depressing way to spend a summer weekend. … Continue reading The Truth Behind the Smile
God’s Protection
I have wrestled with the idea of “God’s protection” since Joshua ran ahead to Heaven. Not everyday. But sometimes I will hear something that causes me to reflect on it again. A few weeks ago, I heard a woman say, “I praise God for protecting my husband. He was in a horrific accident that should … Continue reading God’s Protection
God Really Is Eternally Faithful
Seven years ago today, Joshua went out for a run. Something he had done hundreds of times. Only this time, he didn’t come back home to us. Despite the best efforts of two ICU nurses, firefighters, paramedics, and speciality doctors at Children’s Hospital, three days later, we said, “See you later,” and sent him to … Continue reading God Really Is Eternally Faithful
Walking the Same Path
I remember the very first “While We’re Waiting Mom’s Day” that I attended after Joshua died. I pulled into the driveway, parked my car and sat there for a minute trying to decide if I would stay or just pull away. What had possessed me to sign up to go and spend a day with … Continue reading Walking the Same Path
Today is Hard
About this time last year, a heavy rain stick fell off the window sill in my classroom and hit my foot. I expected it to bruise, but it didn’t. In fact, there wasn’t a mark at all, nor did it have any impact on my ability to walk. But occasionally, when I moved a certain … Continue reading Today is Hard
Life Lessons from Grief – Living with Fear
I have been fearful all my life. Growing up I was afraid of everything. I always wanted to be more like my mom. She was afraid of absolutely nothing. I remember sitting in the gym in middle school during a presentation and having this overwhelming paralyzing fear. I wasn’t in any danger. No one had … Continue reading Life Lessons from Grief – Living with Fear
Life Lessons from Grief – No more “buts”
For months after Joshua died, I could only feel the deepest sorrow I had ever felt. I tried to smile when others were happy or shared good news. I didn’t feel it on the inside. It was all fake, a facade, like the commercial where the people carry around the happy face on the popsicle … Continue reading Life Lessons from Grief – No more “buts”
With Eyes on the Cross 