By Sherrie Cassel The condensation drips like diamonds onto my glass table, a thrift store find. I’m mesmerized by the beauty of drops of water, and I marvel at the ecosystem contained within each tiny drop – and I drink the tiny globes on my glass. As the sun rises in the sky from theContinue reading “Mining Grief”
Tag Archives: healing
Clearing the Muck: an Allegory
By Sherrie Cassel I don’t understand how reflections work. Narcissus stared into his own reflection and in his vanity, he fell in love with it. I’m looking out my window at 4:30 a.m.; it’s dark. I can see the reflection of this room in my office window. I can see a few of the piecesContinue reading “Clearing the Muck: an Allegory”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Momma said there’ll be days like this…
By Sherrie Cassel So, no news is good news, right? Well, maybe on some days. I haven’t written anything for this page for a spell. My absence has been both good and challenging. Life is to be lived fully when not in crisis, and I’ve been fortunate to have smooth sailing for a bit. OurContinue reading “Momma said there’ll be days like this…”
Portrait of an Old Woman as a Young Artist
By Sherrie Cassel “But I was so much older then; I’m younger than that now.” ~Bob Dylan~ In the phenomena of living things oxymorons are plentiful. The word oxymoron originated in Greece. The word means, basically, double-sided, two-edged, one side sharp, and the other side dull. Perhaps indicative of the ability to choose between twoContinue reading “Portrait of an Old Woman as a Young Artist”
On this First Day of the Year
By Sherrie Cassel On this first day of the year, I pledge to honor my emotions as they arise, the good, the bad, and the infantile. Hey, it happens. On this first day of the year, I pledge to be like Michael J. Fox and Stephen Hawking, who, despite their challenges, continue to inspire. OnContinue reading “On this First Day of the Year”
Wrapping it up
By Sherrie Cassel 24 days from today, I will navigate the tenth anniversary of my son’s passing: it’s a biggie. I’m not making light of it, trust me; for some reason, this one hits harder than even the first two anniversaries. I believe I was numb for the first two years, and then … IContinue reading “Wrapping it up”
Grief to Gratitude 