By Sherrie Cassel I had to walk away; you see. The memories of shame and Survivor’s guilt no longer serve me. I made it out alive, so alive, moreso than you have. I’d be lying if I said I don’t worry about you and hope that you’re thriving away from me. You really can’t goContinue reading “Ode to Joy”
Author Archives: Grief to Gratitude
Untitled
By Sherrie Cassel The truism “absence makes the heart grow fonder” works well for those in grief. Over twenty years ago, my father died, and during that time, I’ve developed a greater understanding of who and why he was. I’ve even developed some grace, maybe not forgiveness, but definitely … understanding. In the ten yearsContinue reading “Untitled”
Sloughing Impurities
By Sherrie Cassel Dripping colors swirl in the fire blending and stretching in the skilled and scarred hands of the glassblower — until she learns how to coordinate breath with white hot flickering flames. I can’t imagine the learning curve for a newbie. I’m fascinated by fire – not like a pyro fascination, but IContinue reading “Sloughing Impurities”
Where to begin
By Sherrie Cassel Old school grammar and composition dictate the rules for writing an essay; there is a structure; there is, in every culture, a common syntax. Granted, some syntaxes are more sophisticated than just a formulaic subject and a verb. In America, in 2025, twenty-one percent of our population was unable to read, andContinue reading “Where to begin”
From Meaning to Metamorphosis
By Sherrie Cassel I saw an angel today; it flitted by and I watched it land on a gorgeous tree stump I rescued from the woodchipper, and which I plan to do something artistic with it on that elusive someday. I thought of you when the white moth flew by and I remembered how youContinue reading “From Meaning to Metamorphosis”
Freedom
By Sherrie Cassel I’m “listening to my jam” as our grandson used to tell me when he was very small and when he didn’t want to go to bed. I’m a morning person. I get up at 4 a.m. and play music and dance my way through the alone time I’m so lucky to have.Continue reading “Freedom”
When Healing is the Only Choice
By Sherrie Cassel Three months have passed since the ten-year angelversary of my son’s transition, and it took me a while to adjust to his death. I’m not sure one ever gets past the death of a loved one; we just learn how to navigate the world without that person who felt like an appendageContinue reading “When Healing is the Only Choice”
Tap Dancing through the Grief Process
By Sherrie Cassel I listen to Taylor Swift’s LIFE OF A SHOW GIRL at least three times per day; it speaks to me; it speaks to me about an innocence I was not fortunate to experience in my childhood. Sixty-four years later, it’s really okay now. I’ve learned to absorb all the amazing experiences inContinue reading “Tap Dancing through the Grief Process”
Transitional Objects
By Sherrie Cassel I’m staring at the dried, yellow flowers immortalized in clear resin and mounted on a piece of dark wood. This is a gift my son gave to me when he was just a young child. With no child support from a dead-beat biological father, money was always tight, and thrift stores wereContinue reading “Transitional Objects”
Holding Space for Uncertainty: Hope
By Sherrie Cassel If I ask you Point blank, “Do you believe in an afterlife?”, please know that I am desperately searching for my son in the promised mansions, or in the swirling energy, his Holy Spirit dancing with mine? If I ask you if you believe in heaven, without hesitation, just know thatContinue reading “Holding Space for Uncertainty: Hope”
Grief to Gratitude 