by Yvonne Ortega | May 8, 2018 | Grief
“I thought you were on your way back home,” I said to my younger brother on the phone. We were both out of state for Dad’s funeral. “I was, but I received a call from the bank.” He paused, and continued, “I had a choice: stay longer and stop there to do more paperwork...
by Yvonne Ortega | May 1, 2018 | Grief
Gain perspective? Why would a bereaved person consider that? What good would it do to gain perspective? The Compassionate Friends to Gain Perspective After the loss of my only child, I felt alone. I didn’t think anyone could understand me or my pain until I went to a...
by Yvonne Ortega | Apr 23, 2018 | Illness
Live with Purpose? I didn’t think about that when my doctor said, “You have a sinus infection and a viral infection.” She continued, “You need to rest. You’ve been through a lot with the surgery, your dad’s unexpected passing, and the whirlwind trip...
by Yvonne Ortega | Apr 17, 2018 | Grief
Alone and lonely? What can you do? The Wednesday after Easter, my phone rang about 9:00 pm, and I heard my brother say two words, “Dad passed.” Shock overwhelmed me. My last living parent was unexpectedly gone. He had been smiling, joking, and suddenly stopped...
by Yvonne Ortega | Mar 31, 2018 | Illness
“My dad will rise again,” I whispered in the darkness of the wee hours. I had called the nursing home hours before that to talk with Dad. The staff member said, “He’s not here.” “What do you mean, he’s not there? He has to be there.” She said Dad was still in the...
