For years, I had no idea what was wrong with my mother. That she’d been diagnosed with a mental illness: manic-depression (Known today as Bipolar Disorder.). Ashamed of her condition, Mom told no one. My father stayed silent on the topic as well, not clueing my brothers and me in on her condition. No doubt […]
A Father and Child Reunion (An essay on a father. And forgiveness.)
By Jennifer Norstrom Silbert Exactly one year ago tonight, my brothers, their wives, and I were standing vigil over my dad’s hospice bed at my parents’ home in Wisconsin. We expected, but didn’t know for sure, that Dad wouldn’t make it through the night. His cancer had roared back into his life just three weeks […]
Freshly Dug Graves (A list essay on what to expect when you lose your mother.)
-Less than 24 hours home from vacation, I reach for my phone. To call my mother to say I’m back, that I’ll visit soon. Then I remember, she’s no longer here. -Flying back east from our Arizona Fiesta Bowl adventure, I check my phone calendar. “Order flowers for Mom’s January 15th birthday.” Throat tight, I delete […]
How to Settle an Estate (5 steps I learned when my father suddenly passed away.)
by Cole Bozic I didn’t know that on February 1, 2017 my career trajectory would change and shove me into the world of wills and trusts and estates. And maybe I didn’t really understand how the events of that day would effect my decisions until much, much later. You see, On February 1, 2017, my […]
Death 102: When the end is near (or here)
Twenty-one days ago, my mother passed away. The moment was beautiful—peaceful and holy— and I am so thankful I was with her. Mom’s death served as the final exam for a course I’ve been taking for at least a year now, Death 102: When the end is near (or here). Below, you’ll find my notes from the […]
