Tag Archives: Loss of a Parent

“Song for My Father” by Sarah McLachlan

A famous singer-songwriter sings about her grief after her father's death

One of the most difficult transitions we experience in life is the death of a parent. Not only is it a significant loss marked by deep sadness and grief, it also, almost inevitably, leaves us feeling vulnerable, forsaken and alone. … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ponette (1996) by Jacques Doillon

Jacques Doillon's film explores the way a young girl handles the death of her mother

In the American trailer for French director Jacques Doillon‘s 1996 film “Ponette,” the narrator coolly clarifies that this “is not a film about death” but rather “the celebration of life.” By the end of the film, the viewer realizes that this … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Mama Liked the Roses” by Elvis Presley

A loving song mourning the loss of a beloved mother and appreciating all that she did in life for her son

When it comes to memorial music, it seems that The King is still one of the best around at crooning out heart-wrenching ballads that reach out and grab the soul. In his 1969 song, “Mama Liked the Roses,” Elvis’ gospel … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Spikes” by Michael Chabon

Michael Chabon’s “Spikes” offers readers a perspective into how a person can unexpectedly learn to cope with the grief of losing a child

The process of grieving is a healing pain that can revitalize the spirit, just as much as it can signal the end of something or someone that we are beholden by. This is the main lesson for the short story … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Lucky Me: My Life with — and Without — My Mom, Shirley MacLaine by Sachi Parker

Shirley MacLaine's only daughter reflects on a family life of eccentricity, disconnect and loss

The title of Sachi Parker’s autobiography, Lucky Me: My Life with – and Without – My Mom, Shirley MacLaine is imbued with a tone just as sharp and double-sided as the author’s relationship with her parents. Being the only daughter of … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment



 “Mama You Sweet” by Lucinda Williams

A beautiful memorial song that encapsulates the physical and emotional severity of a daughter’s grief and love for her mother

On her 2007 album, West, one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Lucinda Williams, released an intensely beautiful song about her love for her mother and her grief over her death called “Mama You Sweet.” “Mama You Sweet” starts with the repetition … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment