Contributions for 2012


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Reflecting on Five Years Without

After five years, I realize this is a journey that I will be on for the rest of my life.

12/27/2012 - Marilyn Collins
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The New Christmas

When it comes down to it though, Christmas is not about the presents and cookies, but rather it is a season of love.

12/24/2012 - Rachael Hill
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TAPS Magazine Winter 2012

Volume 18, Issue 4

12/21/2012 - TAPS Quarterly Magazine
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Traveling with Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is an organization that began with a memorable trip to Washington DC by then twelve-year-old Morrill Worcester.

12/21/2012 - Jill Stephenson
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A New Year Without My Loved One In It

The start of a new calendar year is a chance to realize once again that we are, in fact, still living.

12/21/2012 - Betsy Beard
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What do you say?

There is no right or wrong way to respond, but following are some ideas from TAPS survivors.

12/21/2012 - TAPS
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Handling the Holidays

The holidays are coming and I’m not ready. Everything seems to sparkle and there is always so much to do!

12/21/2012 - Darcie Sims
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Letters from TAPS: From Special Events and Communications

My hope for you is that TAPS Retreats will add a sunny day to your grief journey and bring you unexpected joy in the midst of sorrow.

12/21/2012 - Kyle Harper
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Run and Remember: Honoring the Memory of Windy25

Each year since the crash, members of the unit have gathered to honor their battle buddies and memorialize the loss.

12/21/2012 - TAPS
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Support Yourself & Your Children

As a parent who is grieving, thinking about the holidays may seem ludicrous, and yet your children will not let them pass without celebration.

12/21/2012 - Andrea Hug
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Losing Todd, A Mother's Journey

"Sharing so that others may begin to understand the national treasure our country has lost in the lives of our loved ones." ~ Jeanne Harris Weaver

12/21/2012 - Jeanne Weaver
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TAPS Suicide Survivor Seminar

Rebecca Morrison is one of two widows TIME Magazine featured in its July cover story on the surge in Army suicides.

12/21/2012 - TAPS
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Spotlight on Service: Charlene Miseli

“Knowing that this is an organization making a difference to so many every single day” is what keeps Charlene coming back

12/21/2012 - TAPS
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A Time of Thankfulness

I am thankful for the 13 years I got to spend with my amazing husband and the 2 beautiful boys we had together.

12/10/2012 - Rachael Hill
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I Remember You

I worry sometimes that I will forget you. You have the other half of my childhood memories.

12/3/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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I Came, I Saw, I Healed

This year was my first time attending the TAPS Suicide Survivor Seminar, and it is an experience like no other.

11/26/2012 - Shanette Booker
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Thanksgiving

Well, this will be our eighth Thanksgiving without my brother, and I just really can’t believe it’s been that long!

11/19/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Always the Atlantic

Grief, like the waves, has a way of healing us, of returning us to dry land.

11/19/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Supporting Grieving Military Children: What We All Need To Know

Today to recognize the special challenges that military children face after losing a parent, and the strengths they carry that can help them cope with loss too.

11/15/2012 - Bonnie Carroll
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My Flight Over Iraq

A bucket list item that probably only a TAPS audience will appreciate was to visit "the spot" where my brother died.

11/11/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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Hunt the Good Stuff

Whenever I’m having a sad/lonely day, I’m going to “hunt the good”.

11/5/2012 - Dayna Wood
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Finding My Faith

Just as grief is a journey, faith is a journey and there are always going to be bumps and turns along the way.

10/28/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Widows Write for TIME's Battleland Blog

Widows Rebecca Morrison and Leslie McCaddon are blogging for TIME.com's Battleland blog about their experiences at TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar.

10/5/2012 - TAPS
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Taking Action

When Austin was diagnosed with cancer I didn’t assume the fetal position and hide.

10/5/2012 - Alice Daniel
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It's Not Fair

However, at the end of the day this is my reality and I know that sometimes I just have to face it head on, no matter how much it hurts.

9/24/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Reflections of a First Time Mentor

A new TAPS mentor shares their experience as a first-time mentor at a Good Grief Camp out for military survivor children.

9/21/2012 - Robert Statchen
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To Sleep or Not to Sleep, That is the Problem…

For many of us, sleep patterns are disrupted after the death of a loved one, whether the trouble is lack of sleep or too much sleep.

9/21/2012 - TAPS
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TAPS Magazine Fall 2012

Volume 18, Issue 3

9/21/2012 - TAPS Quarterly Magazine
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Giving to Help the Families of our Fallen Military

James Baird at the TAPS Good Grief Camp with a child over Memorial Day Weekend in 2007.

9/21/2012 - TAPS
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What Grieving People Want You to Know

Articles What A Grieving Child Wants You To Know and What Grieving People Want You To Know are found on Dr. Virginia A. Simpson's website.

9/21/2012 - Virginia Simpson
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Beyond the Sea

For those who are walking a lonely path right now, I want to encourage you…your heart will feel lighter in time. Take your time; hold on to your faith.

9/21/2012 - Cindy Hooks Morrison
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Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 2

How can we help children bounce back when they have experienced a profound loss or trauma?

9/21/2012 - Andrea Hug
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Letters From TAPS: From Survivor Care Team

If you are in need of extra support since the death of your loved one or would like to know more about TAPS services, the Survivor Care Team is here for you.

9/21/2012 - Sheri Beck
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Mending the Family Circle

Come with me and know that we are all a family circle, broken by death, but mended by love.

9/21/2012 - Darcie Sims
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Resource Center, TAPS Top Picks for Scholarships

Casework Assistance team shares top picks for scholarships and educational resources.

9/21/2012 - TAPS
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Run and Remember: A Special Connection

The fact that people you do not even know would take the time and effort to run in honor of your fallen loved one means so much.

9/21/2012 - Bob Derga - Lisa Arnold
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Sibling Loss

In a sense, our siblings are parallel travelers in life; we have a shared history. We expect this to be the longest relationship we will ever have.

9/21/2012 - Heidi Horsley
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The Critical Importance of Seeking Support

If there is ever a time in life when we need others to support and nurture us, it’s when someone we love dies.

9/21/2012 - Alan Wolfelt
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Spotlight on Service: Roseanne Lehman

Although she’s not a survivor of a military death, Roseanne Lehman is no stranger to loss and grieving.

9/21/2012 - TAPS
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White Stones of Honor

Each white stone announced the name of the one who rested there. From wars of the distant past and the not so distant past to the present.

9/21/2012 - Ken Ashley
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Widow Shares Marine’s Story

Kim Ruocco regularly relives her darkest days – her husband’s suicide and the downward spiral that led to it – to save other military families.

9/19/2012 - Kim Ruocco
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Running with the TAPS Family

It was such an honor to wear the TAPS singlet during yesterday's Big Wildlife Run.

9/6/2012 - Regina Vitt
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The Day Before Our Last Day

I didn’t take into account the day before the “Last Day” of our lives. It hit me harder than a ton of metaphorical bricks.

9/5/2012 - Shanette Booker
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Carrying On

Yet, I also know that I’ll never “move on”. Ko will forever have a piece of my heart. My goal right now is to keep carrying on in pursuit of brighter days.

9/3/2012 - Dayna Wood
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Resuming Something Set Aside: The Maine Thing

Vacations have always been a prominent source of my most treasured childhood memories.

8/27/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Suicide in the Military

Interview with Kim Ruocco, surviving spouse and TAPS staff member, about suicide in the military and services available to support grieving military families.

8/20/2012 - KMA Radio
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Support

We all need support, no matter what may be going on in our lives, and when you lose someone close to you that support is what helps get you through.

8/20/2012 - Rachael Hill
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What Do I Miss the Most?

I miss my best friend. That friend that knows you better than you know yourself and you don’t have to give any background information when telling a story.

8/20/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Suicide in the Military

Surviving father Don Lipstein talks with the Madeleine Brand Show about the death of his Navy son by suicide.

8/17/2012 - Madeline Brand Show
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Destiny: Realizing Not Everything Dies With Our Loved Ones

Lo and behold my own destiny was waiting patiently for healing to progress to the point where it could awaken again

8/7/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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I Wish

I have a wish for YOU! Not a wish that speaks of regret, but one that leads to healing. Explore the opportunities TAPS provides.

7/29/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Saturday Morning Message: Letting Others Know You Love Them

This week’s question centered around letting others know that you love them while you are grieving the loss of an important person in your life.

7/28/2012 - Carol Lane
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July 28th...

I will always be thankful for the 13 years I got to spend with Jeff and the love that we shared was, IS, enough to last a lifetime.

7/27/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Baby Steps

One of the best ways I’ve found to cope is just to give into the tears. I’ve come to accept that there is absolutely no shame in crying

7/23/2012 - Dayna Wood
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Happy Birthday to You

This is the toughest week of my year. Yesterday was Jonathan’s birthday and Thursday is the anniversary of his death.

7/19/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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Two Widows Talk with TIME Magazine

TIME magazine’s cover story issued today asks why active-duty service members are dying by suicide and features the stories of two widows.

7/12/2012 - TAPS
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Today I'm Angry

Then Wham!!!! When I least expected it, that beastly, nightmarish animal called anger blindsided me.

7/11/2012 - Alice Daniel
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Wait...What was the cause of death?

I truly believe that his death was not a suicide but indeed a Medicinally Induced Death.

7/8/2012 - Shanette Booker
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Happy Birthday Dear Brother, Happy Bir...

Am I supposed to be celebrating your birthday? Do the angels throw parties in heaven like we do on Earth?

7/1/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Soldier's Son on a Mission to Help Other Grieving Military Kids

Timothy Swenson, age 13, of Humble, Texas, shares his story of coping with the death of his dad, to help other grieving military children.

6/29/2012 - TAPS
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Destination Discovery: Exploring the Unexpected

I don’t know where I’m headed most days, but I know where I’ve been. And I’m learning that my destination is one of discovery.

6/25/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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TAPS Magazine Summer 2012

Volume 18, Issue 2

6/21/2012 - TAPS Quarterly Magazine
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Loss, Grief, and Manliness

Visit The Art of Manliness Web Blog, Loss, Grief, and Manliness: What Every Man Should Know about Losing a Loved One.

6/21/2012 - Brian Burnham
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Run and Remember: A Win-Win Outcome

Runners benefit from having a meaningful focus to their run and a charity partner to support. Family members benefit by having their loved ones honored.

6/21/2012 - Betsy Beard
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Artful Grief

Making art heals. These are the words I weave throughout the workshops I offer during my times with TAPS.

6/21/2012 - Sharon Strouse
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Healing Grief, Finding Peace

Your emotions will change as you walk the path of grief. Healing Grief, Finding Peace is also packed with inspirational quotes from a variety of sources.

6/21/2012 - Carol Lane
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Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 1

It is important to remember that bereaved children must go through their losses very differently than an adult does.

6/21/2012 - Andrea Hug
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Letters From TAPS: From Survivor Seminar Programs

We hope your children can join us for a weekend of fun, fishing, swimming, hay rides, military static displays, campfires and s’mores, and so much more!

6/21/2012 - Tina Saari
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Sibling Revelry

Co-conspirators. Confidants. Comrades. Two apples from the very same tree. Two peas tucked in a single pod. That was us, my brother and me…

6/21/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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So You Think You’re Going Crazy?

I first began to think about going crazy shortly after our son died. It seemed innocent enough in the beginning.

6/21/2012 - Darcie Sims
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Spotlight on Service: Sergeant Kris Giuranna

Kris has proven to be a true leader and role model for all of us, children and adults alike.

6/21/2012 - TAPS
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The Spiritual Path to Healing, Part 2

You have been “torn apart” and have some very unique needs. Among these needs is to nurture yourself physically, emotionally, cognitively, socially, and spiritually.

6/21/2012 - Alan Wolfelt
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Birthdays and Angelversaries

Birthdays and anniversaries are days that can be both happy and difficult…especially when you have lost someone you love.

6/18/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Almost a Decade

Love never dies; the impact is far reaching and everlasting. It's probably the single most positive emotions that exists.

6/15/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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CNN Takes an Intimate Look at Teen Grief

What really goes on during a TAPS Good Grief Camp for older children who are grieving the death of a parent or sibling who died while serving their country?

6/11/2012 - TAPS
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The Financial Aftermath of Military Loss

This week, TAPS is excited to announce our partnership with Citi on the CredAbility ReConnect program.

6/11/2012 - TAPS
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TAPS Supports the 'Got Your 6' Campaign

“The Got Your 6 campaign is poised to create much needed awareness around military families."

6/6/2012 - TAPS
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A Little Easier....

I know that it’s never going to change, but I’m extremely grateful to TAPS for making some of my worst moments a little easier.

6/5/2012 - Dayna Wood
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Knowing the Pain Is Not Like Understanding the Pain

We must realize that our friends and family are just trying to figure out how to help us cope with our loss and that they do genuinely care and love us.

6/4/2012 - Shanette Booker
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Facing a Life Without the One They Love, Coming Together

Inspiring is the word I’d use to describe the Memorial Day weekend my colleagues and I spent at the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

5/31/2012 - Christine Park
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True Meaning of Memorial Day

On September 7, 2009, Memorial Day in an instant took on yet another meaning. My son, SSG Austin Daniel, was now one of our great country’s many fallen heroes.

5/28/2012 - Alice Daniel
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Memorial Day

Memorial Day no longer ushers in anything more than my official right to grieve the loss of my brother.

5/28/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Fargo Marathon

On May 19th I ran my first full marathon in Fargo, ND with the TAPS Run and Remember team.

5/23/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Carry the Load

As a survivor, it was an honor to participate in the Carry the Load national relay as it went through Washington, D.C.

5/17/2012 - Marie Campbell
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Growth is a Sign of Life

This portrait was the first time in 8 ½ years that we were genuinely smiling for the camera.

5/14/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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Saturday Morning Message

The Saturday message started out as a weekly letter between a few friends that met at the TAPS National seminar over a Memorial Day many years ago.

5/12/2012 - Carol Lane
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Introducing Alice Daniel

In November, 2008, once again fear dominated my life. Austin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease.

5/8/2012 - Alice Daniel
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Introducing Michele Marcum

I am Michele. And I am a survivor. My story mirrors that of every other TAPS survivor.

5/3/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum
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Introducing Shanette Booker

I would like to welcome you to my world of wonder, wisdom, and widowhood. I am Mrs. Shanette Booker, wife of USMC Sgt. /USARMYSSG.

4/20/2012 - Shanette Booker
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Introducing Rachael Hill

Never in a million years did I think I would be a widow and a single mom to 3 and 5 year old little boys at just 31 years old.

4/16/2012 - Rachael Hill
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Introducing Dayna Wood

The last 13 months have been particularly rough. My fiancé SSG Su Wan Ko was killed in an automobile accident in March 2011.

4/16/2012 - Dayna Wood
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Introducing Elizabeth Rozier

On July 19, 2003, 3 days after his 25th birthday, Jonathan was hit with an RPG while guarding a municipal building near Baghdad.

4/10/2012 - Elizabeth Rozier
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Honoring a Service Member’s Ultimate Sacrifice

In this post on the New York Times At War blog, TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll discusses the many issues involved in memorializing our fallen military.

3/30/2012 - Bonnie Carroll
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TAPS Magazine Spring 2012

Volume 18, Issue 1

3/21/2012 - TAPS Quarterly Magazine
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TAPS Retreats Loss

“I love going to the sibling retreat. I like sharing stories with other siblings; I can connect with them. It helps me deal with my grief and it makes my life easier.”

3/21/2012 - TAPS
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The Spiritual Path to Healing, Part 1

You have been “torn apart” and have some very unique needs. Among these needs is to nurture yourself physically, emotionally, cognitively, socially, and spiritually.

3/21/2012 - Alan Wolfelt
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Pedaling Fast, Headed Nowhere

Riding an exercise bike is a lot like grieving. We seem to be pedaling fast and sometimes, it seems as if we are going nowhere.

3/21/2012 - Darcie Sims
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Sibling Survivors of Suicide

This article first appeared on Legacy Connect, an online grief support community.

3/21/2012 - Michelle Linn-Gust
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Letters from TAPS: From the Peer Mentor Team

TAPS peer mentors symbolize new life as they help guide newly bereaved survivors toward the path of remembering the love and celebrating the life of their loved one.

3/21/2012 - Claire Hunter
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Honor and Remember

“We regret to inform you.” My oldest son Tony had been killed the day before by a sniper's bullet while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq.

3/21/2012 - George Lutz
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Expressing Your Grief

Keeping a diary or writing a letter that no one but you will ever read can have a significant positive impact on the healing journey.

3/21/2012 - Stephanie Frogge
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Suggested Books for Grieving Adults

I have not discovered that miracle book, but I have gotten comfort from each book. Sometimes only one sentence “speaks” to me, but I embrace all comfort.

3/21/2012 - Jonnie Chandler
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How Writing Helped Me Heal

Had I any previous vision of that title, I would have been overcome with fear. And now, knowing that I authored such a book, I’m just overcome.

3/21/2012 - Julie Burget
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You Doin’ OK?

But it is the way Rick lived his life and faced his illness—with unending faith, optimism, humor, dignity, and even professionalism—that I carry with me.

3/21/2012 - Barb Christie
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Military Widows Go Skydiving with the Army's Golden Knights

Surviving widows go skydiving with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights, an elite parachute jumping team based at Homestead.

2/13/2012 - TAPS