10 Ways to Help During a Health Crisis
CaringBridge families confirm that one of the most well-intended but unhelpful phrases heard during a health crisis is: “If you need anything, just call me.” “I appreciate the gestur...
Writing: A Process of Healing
The Sobiech Family of Minnesota in 2011, in the midst of Zach’s treatment for osteosarcoma. Meet more CaringBridge families who shared their stories in the How We Heal series. It was eleven o’...
3 Ways Family and Friends Can Support CaringBridge Authors
After her son was seriously injured in a car accident on the way to preschool, a CaringBridge mom spent 10 nightmare days and sleepless nights in her toddler’s hospital room. No one was sure the boy...
Exercise After Cancer Diagnosis Can Offer Physical, Mental Benefits
It used to be that rest was favored over exercise during and after cancer treatment. But research continues to support the “prescription” to get moving. Cathy Skinner is a cancer exercise ...
Letting People Into Your Health Journey
When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, shame consumed me. Guilt, too. I am not sure I could have named these emotions at the time, but they were there anyway, and they lingered for years....
Life After Diagnosis: How Illness Changed My Identity
In 1986, when I graduated from high school, I was voted “most likely to climb Mount Everest.” I thought I would do it, if not actually, then at least symbolically. I pictured my life unfolding as ...
The Power of Journaling
Over the past few holidays as we’ve navigated the choppy waters of my husband’s terminal illness, I’ve discovered a surprising-yet-essential tool for processing through pain: the ordinary ink pe...
Managing Grief During the Holidays
For those who are experiencing pain or loss, the holidays can be a sticky wicket. For the past few Christmases, my family has had to find ways to face the happiest time of year, during one of the dark...
5 Tips to Quiet Your Racing Mind and Sleep Better
It’s been a long day and I’m tired. I get into bed ready for eight hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep. As soon as my head hits the pillow my mind seems to come alive. And not just alive, but r...
Help Through Hard Times: How to Make a True Difference
As a pastor for more than three decades, I’ve heard more than a few stories of heartache and hurt. Health scares, financial woes, relationship valleys: everyone I know is going through a hard ti...