Tag Archives: Loss of a Parent



 “Today’s The Day” by Lucy Kaplansky

A lovely funeral tribute song honoring the love between a daughter and her dying father

In 2007, singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky released a sweet and reflective song called “Today’s the Day.” This song serves as a lovely funeral tribute for Kaplansky’s father, famous mathematician Irving Kaplansky, who had died the year before, after living a long … Continue reading

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Smoke Signals by Chris Eyre

Native American Chris Eyre's film takes a funny and poignant look at two kinds of loss

Unfortunately, it is rare to find films with all Native American casts and it’s especially rare to find one that has reached anything approaching a wide release. That’s why the 1998 indie film Smoke Signals (directed by Chris Eyre), based … Continue reading

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My Girl by Howard Zieff

"When your dad's an undertaker, your mom's in heaven, and your grandma's got a screw loose... it's good to have a friend who understands you."

  After a more-than-twenty-year hiatus, I put on the movie My Girl this week, and I wasn’t prepared for how moved I would be by the end. My memories of the clips I’ve seen throughout my life promised a cheesy film about … Continue reading

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Art by Grieving Children

The Rays of Hope center uses art to help children grieving after the loss of a loved one

The Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Centre in Texas helps children grieving after the loss of a loved one, experiencing divorce, or coping with an incarcerated parent. The counselors at the Rays of Hope are aware that sometimes these traumas … Continue reading

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A True Story: Our Year Long Journey Preparing for Loss

Matt's wife was pregnant and dying of cancer.

In 2003, author and actor Matt Croke’s wife Lisa saw her mother diagnosed with cancer. In 2005, shortly after the birth of Matt and Lisa’s second daughter, Lisa discovered the lump on her own breast. Though doctors at first thought … Continue reading

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