Category Archives: Uncategorized
Grief Felt Like A Life Sentence: That’s Because It Is
I was always told that grief follows you for your whole life and has a weird way of morphing into other feelings and outlets. I was also, unfortunately, a teenager once, and I thought I knew it all and had total control of my feelings. I was convinced I was done grieving the death of my dad when I was seventeen years old because it happened when I was five.
California Wildfires: The Fear of Losing Memories of My Mother
I dropped the box that had my mom’s obituary in it. After five days evacuated from my home, I had finally gotten around to unpacking my car and with the last box in my arms, I managed to trip on the sidewalk and pour the contents out onto the pavement. I heard the picture we displayed at her funeral scratch against the ground, the small prayer card slipping out of
Sudden, Tragic Loss and Children: Expert Tips for Supporting Your Grieving Child
“How do I help my child cope with death? “What is the right thing to say?”, “What do they need from me?” are questions parents struggle with after a loss. While there’s no perfect script, here’s a guide on what to expect and to help you and your child navigate grief. 1. The “Why” Questions Are Also Normal. “Why did they die?” “Why would God allow this to happen?” “Why
Every Grief Journey Has Its Own Path: A Story of Losing My Father To Suicide
Content Warning: This personal essay discusses the loss of a parent to suicide and themes of grief. On October 10, 2004, during a routine sleepover at our grandparents’ house, my mom told us the devastating news that Dad had died. I was only 7 years old. Losing a parent so suddenly didn’t seem real. I was sad and crying non stop. I just genuinely could not believe what was happening.
The Day My World Changed: My Sister Was Shot and Killed In Her Friend’s Garage.
On August 11, 2009 a ridiculously cute baby was born at St. Mary’s Hospital right here in Richmond. That cute little baby was me. It was also the day that my sister Lucia went from being a little sister to being a big sister. We three Bremer kids–William, Lucia, and I grew up in a close family with both of my parents. And since Lucia was closest to me in
Learning to Dance in the Rain: Finding Hope at Comfort Zone Camp
When I talk about my dad, I want people to know about our happiest moments together and how amazing of a parent he was to me. I want them to know about how he was more than just my father – he was a hard worker, a husband, a person who protected others, and, most importantly, my best friend. Christopher Robert Murphy, my dad, served as a police officer for
I lost my husband in an accidental overdose. He was so much more than how he died.
My husband Drew and I had a real love affair. This is something I cherish as I am aware not everyone gets to experience this. We met later in life and immediately connected on a deep level – we understood each other and in many ways, healed each other. He was sensitive, not scared to express himself and did not shy away from an apology. He was talented and passionate about
Navigating Father’s Day After Loss
For many, Father’s Day is a joyful occasion to honor and celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives. It’s a day for family get-togethers, thoughtful gifts and cards, and reflecting on cherished memories. But for those grieving the loss of a father, the day can bring up painful feelings of sadness, longing, and emptiness. Reminders of the holiday are everywhere, making it difficult to avoid. Perhaps this is
Family Testimonial: Little Buddy Malachi
As a testimony to CZC and their commitment to those that have lost loved ones, I’d like to spotlight our grandson Malachi, at 1st time camper in the summer of 2023. His father died a few months after he was born due to brain cancer. Malachi then lost his mother (our daughter) in 2020 due to a fentanyl overdose. He was 6 years old at the time and did not express
Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Roy
Meet Steve Roy, a dedicated volunteer at Comfort Zone Camp since 2011. After losing his father and brother in a car accident during his childhood, Steve discovered the camp and recognized its incredible value—something he wished he had access to during his own time of grief. Without hesitation, he signed up for training and has been a committed volunteer ever since. Read more about Steve’s story, explore his passion for
