Tag Archives: Unexpected Loss

California Nurses’ Strike and the Loss of Judith Ming

Medical error by replacement nurse causes tragic death of Oakland woman

Last weekend, ovarian cancer patient Judith Ming, 66, died as a result of a tragic hospital error at Oakland’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. While medical errors are not uncommon, Ming’s death has drawn widespread attention because of its unusual … Continue reading

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“Ringer” by executive producers Peter Traugott and Pam Veasey

Cult series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" provides an honest, unflinching portrayal of the loss of a loved one

This past week marked the triumphant return of actress Sarah Michelle Gellar to the small screen, as her new thriller/drama Ringer premiered on the CW to strong reviews.  Ringer has Gellar playing twins Bridget and Siobhan, sisters with very different … Continue reading

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What is the Dougy Center? An Interview with Donna Schuurman

The Dougy Center's Executive Director talks about child and youth peer support, expression, and "post-traumatic growth"

For nearly 30 years, The Dougy Center in Portland, OR has provided peer support groups for grieving children, teenagers, young adults and their families. Today, the peer support program they pioneered has served as a model for at least 500 … Continue reading

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Death and Dying

It came to haunt me on Facebook today

Death and dying can come any time — even at the most benign moment, while casually surfing Facebook. When I logged on yesterday, up popped the beautiful faces of long gone P. Scott Makela’s children. Fresh, grown-up yet innocent faces. … Continue reading

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What’s a Center for Grief? An interview with Cindy Ainsworth and Stephanie Demos

Directors at Kara grief center discuss their support programs and the "healing door"

Kara (the gothic root for “care”) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization and renowned grief center, providing powerful, free grief support services to the San Francisco Bay Area from their Palo Alto home since 1976.  Truly, the breadth, success, and compassion … Continue reading

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“Random Hearts”

A mediocre film poignantly captures the experience of tragedy

After suffering a personal tragic loss, I stumbled on the film “Random Hearts” one sleepless night. Despite expectations as low as my eyelids, I soon found myself riveted. “Random Hearts” quickly tapped into all the emotional repercussions one experiences following … Continue reading

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