Welcome to the May issue of our Helping Parents Heal Newsletter!  

We are glad you have found us.  This newsletter is a space that allows us to share our amazing children. We are all in this together.  We understand and we walk the same path. Thank you for your compassion and for the constant support you provide.  Together, we will help each other heal!  

Once again, this month's newsletter contains stories of validation and spiritual growth.  We hope that it will bring some peace and comfort to you and your loved ones.  We are fortunate to welcome Dr. Mark Pitstick and his new column, 'Evolved Souls Don't Need Long Earthly Lives',  to the newsletter.  Each month he will be answering some of the most difficult questions that Parents ask on our Facebook page, Parents United in Loss, aka Helping Parents Heal.  Please also take a moment to read the inspirational quote that our NYC affiliate leader, Sheri Perl Migdol, will be including in her column, 'Wisdom and Quotes from the East Coast'

Sending love, light and warm memories to each one of you as you navigate this bittersweet time.  You are not alone.

-Elizabeth Boisson, Co-Founder and President of Helping Parents Heal, Newsletter Editor and Affiliate Leader for Scottsdale/Phoenix.

Dr. Mark Pitstick and his book 'SoulProof'

Evolved Souls Don’t Need Long Earthly Lives
May 2015
by Mark Pitstick, MA, DC

 Welcome to the first Q & A with Helping Parents Heal.  First, a few basics:

1. I have not had a child die, but I have worked with children as they died and many bereaved family members over the last forty years.  I also have personally suffered the pain and sadness of loved ones dying, divorce, major financial loss, broken dreams, etc.  I’m not equating that with the death of a child, but I’m no stranger to suffering—professionally or personally.   
2. I know that the passing of a child —at any age or by any means—is one of, if not the most, horrible events that can happen to you.  No matter how rosy a picture I paint of life from a cosmic view, I never minimize or forget that. 
3. However, even the death of a child creates an opening, a transformational moment that—in the long run—can be a blessing to you and to many.  That may sound like crazy talk, but it’s true. 
4. My answers are always offered with respect and love.  Please do not feel that I am being critical of you in any way.  Send your toughest questions to mark@soulproof.com and I’ll answer them in twice per month newsletters. 
5. The homepage of my website www.soulproof.com has free articles that share comforting, sensible answers to your most commonly asked questions. 
6. I don’t claim to have all the answers or the only answers, but I do have some good answers that have helped many people lighten their grief and make more sense of what seems to be a totally senseless occurrence. 
7. Reading my answers isn’t an instant cure, but hopefully is a step toward a broader view of life and acceptance of what is—even when your child dies. 
8. The simplest answer to why a child dies is that evolved souls don’t need long earthly lives.  Special souls don’t have to go through a long earth-school like the rest of us slow learners.  They came here just for a while to brighten our lives, serve, and teach.  Then they went back Home, to the really real place.  You will see them again when you change worlds.  And—if you stay alert, peaceful, and remember life and love are forever—you may detect them now.   

Q: It’s been almost six months since I lost my son and since I have slept well.  I end up passing out about 4 am and waking at 7 am.  Does anyone else have insomnia and do you have any suggestions?  I have tried everything I know.  - Melissa

A: Dear Melissa,
Insomnia is very common among the general population and particularly so for those who have experienced a traumatic emotional experience such as the death of a child.  The brain, thyroid, and heart are especially impacted by severe emotions; over time, a nutrient deficiency occurs and the problem is perpetuated.  Imbalances of those organs are, in my experience, the most common causes of insomnia. 
 
My book Radiant Wellness has a section on eliminating insomnia with self-help strategies you can use to get to sleep and stay asleep.  You and others with insomnia can email me at the address below and we’ll email you that information.  Blessings, Mark
 
Q: I wish the pain would stop, but I know it never will. I walked past a church today and there was a wedding happening. It hit me that Chrissy will never have her father walk her down the aisle and she will never become a mother. - Audra
 
A: Dear Audra,
Actually, the pain will lessen over time, even though it doesn’t seem like it, especially as you grow in peace and understanding with a long view of life. 
 
To take a step in that direction, let’s start with positive self-talk.  Jesus and many others have taught, “As you think, so shall you be.”  So, one simple way to move along the journey toward healing is observe how you can upgrade the quality of your thoughts and words.  For example, you could replace your statement “I wish the pain would stop, but I know it never will” with “I don’t feel like the pain will ever stop but, with Spirit’s help (or whatever words work for you), I’m doing my best.”  Try it. You will probably feel at least a little better immediately afterwards. 
 
Same thing with your thoughts about her never being a bride or mother.  By the way, that statement is true for this current earth-experience, but she—and everyone else—are forever beings.  So who knows when and where she might enjoy those aspects of life.  And, as obvious soul-mates, you likely will be right there to cry tears of joy instead of grief. 
 
Finally, it’s shocking when a loved one dies/graduates at an age that seems premature from an earthly perspective.  But, first, consider that although she was young in earth-years, she may have been an old soul by eternity’s clock.  And, second, every tragedy carries with it an equal or even greater opportunity for growth and serving others.  One example of this is learning to live in the present moment.  It’s difficult to do at times, but it’s so important for fully experiencing your time on Earth and in the hereafter. 
 
Recovering significantly from such a seeming tragic event is a process that, depending on a number of factors, can take months to years while some never come to peace with it in this lifetime.  I hope that you continue to search for help and hope that will lighten and enlighten your life while blessing others.  Love and Light, Mark

(Editor's note-Audra added: 'I think I need to focus on working on my nonprofit so that she is never forgotten by those who knew her in this reality and those who never knew her will feel like they do through me')
 
Q: Why couldn't we have been taken with our loved one? I am truly not suicidal, but I can't wait to be with him again. I don't know how to do this. - Kelly
 
A: My heart ached when I read your question so I can only imagine how it feels to you.  How you do it is one breath and one moment at a time.  It also helps to remember you are not alone in two ways:
1. You are always surrounded and assisted by your spiritual support team—angels, guides, master teachers, God/the Light—whatever you want to call it. 

2. Many bereaved family members and others are praying for you and rooting you on to come through this horrible event as an even stronger and loving person. 
 
Helping Parents Heal is dedicated to diminishing the pain and helping you glimpse that there is a rhyme and reason for all life’s events—even the death of a child.  I can only discuss so much in each answer, but it’s a start.  We’ll get through this together.  Peace, Mark
 
Q: I've always had a quick temper, but learned to control it growing up.  Now I lose it at the drop of a hat and have become really intolerant of people's faux problems.  Am I always going to be this awful? - Terrylee

A: Most likely.  Just teasing.  I try to lighten things up now and then to remind us to not take life and death so seriously.  Just imagine your surprise and delight when you get to Heaven/Other Side and discover all your loved ones—even departed pets—so happy and energized.  You’ll get to see the big picture and understand why you went through such suffering at times.  Then you’ll be able to laugh with joy and celebrate with your departed dear ones. 
 
But you don’t have to wait until you die to see the light.  You can awaken now.  And that awakening is one of the biggest gifts that can occur when tragedy strikes.  The death of your child shakes up your world and makes you ask important questions that you wouldn’t ask if things were going smoothly. 
 
I know what you mean about watching people’s melodramas over small things in life when you are struggling with such a big thing.  There’s a big transition period after a loved one passes on, isn’t there?  And, as you say, it can be more difficult to be in the world with its petty and huge problems.  The world doesn’t seem to make sense anymore to you and that can definitely make you more irritable.  So relax; this too shall pass.  If you learned to control your temper before, you can do so again.  Do it in honor of your departed loved one.  Become more compassionate and patient.  That adds more meaning to his or her life and death. 
 
Mark Pitstick, MA, DC is an author, clinical psychologist, chiropractic physician, frequent media guest, and workshop leader who helps you know and show—no matter what is going on around you—that you are an important and infinite part of Source Energy/God/Universe.  Visit his websites at www.soulproof.com and www.radiantwellness.com for free articles, radio shows, e-mail newsletters, and special reports.  For more information about his workshops, visit www.soulproof.com/workshops.   Email mark@soulproof.com to ask your toughest questions.   
 
Our March Scottsdale meeting with Laurie Savoie (center in red) and her daughter, Kailee (back center) with some of the parents who attended.  

Laurie Savoie and her daughter Kailee spoke at our March meeting about her new book about the suicide of her son Garrett, entitled 'The Ripple Effect'.   It was a helpful and healing meeting for all of the parents who attended.  Celia Cheves Edwards, a Founding Member of Helping Parents Heal, hosted the meeting and provided refreshments.  Thank you ladies for all your help, and a big thanks to all of the parents who attended.  

April 23rd Scottsdale Meeting- Unity of Phoenix
Dr. Lisa Strohman 

We are happy to announce that Dr. Lisa Strohman will be our special guest for our April meeting. She is a psychologist with LifeScape Medical Associates who specializes in grief therapy.  Lisa has spoken to our group in the past and parents loved her gentle, compassionate manner.  Please visit LifeScape's website here.  If you would like to join us, please RSVP for this meeting here.  We kindly request a $5 'love donation' for this meeting that is split equally between Dr. Strohman and Unity of Phoenix. Meetings are from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Inspirational Messages from Parents like Us-
Cherie Rickard - 'The 6 Steps to Surviving the Death of a Child'
Cherie with her book, 'Wake-Up Call A Mother's Grief Journey'

Our Hilton Head Helping Parents Heal Affiliate leader, Irene Vouvalides, forwarded a newsletter from 'The Grief Toolbox' that contained many helpful and healing articles.  I highly recommend this resource.  One of the articles was particularly interesting.  It gives 6 simple ways to survive our grief, and it is particularly useful at the very start of our difficult journey.  Please take a moment to read this concise, easy-to-read article.  I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.  

The 6 Steps to Surviving the Death of a Child
 
Who survives the death of their child? Do parents feel they even really want to survive the death of their child? The death of my child was the most devastating loss and pain I have ever felt and those that walk in a similar journey would agree. You not only have to live without your child you also grieve the loss of what ‘’could have been’’ as the years go by and their friend’s graduate school, get married, have children and build their future. Your life is forever changed and this life we call tragic is your new normalcy forever. You are alive and you can chose to live as though your life is now meaningless or you can chose to live again and keep your child’s memory alive. Your child will forever live with you but not in the physical sense but rather in the spiritual sense. You can learn to live through the grief and pain. I have a few survival tips to guide you through your painful journey.  
1. Allow yourself to grieve and recognize your emotions as normal responses to such a horrific loss.  You may experience all or some of the 5 stages of grief at one time or another. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. In addition to these you may feel guilty or afraid depending on the circumstance of your loss. If you want to talk, then talk. If you want to cry, just cry. If you want to sleep, just do it. Keeping your emotions bottled up inside will only fester up until you blow. It’s actually healthy to cry and without this first crucial step of embracing emotions you can’t move forward in the healing process. Any or all of these emotions are all part of grieving and everyone is different in how long they grieve. It doesn’t mean you’re a better parent if you grieve longer nor does it mean you’re not a good parent if you move through all stages in a short time. Everyone grieves and walks in their journey differently and at their own pace. At one time it was believed each step occurs in order and that has since proven to not be completely true.  While your impulse may be to blame yourself or take on guilt for not being there if it’s a tragic accident, try to resist the urge. There are simply circumstances in life and that cannot be controlled. Beating yourself up about what you could have, would have or should have done is counterproductive to healing. Grieving is a personal walk in life and even couples may grieve different and at a different pace.  Respect each other’s emotions or you could end up at odds over this so-called time table of grief.  You may be angry before denial and if fact you may never go through bargaining depending on your circumstances. Please allow your spouse their own space and way of coping. This will make your relationship a lot easier in this trying time of your marriage.

2. Take the time you need from stressors and lean on your faith. We all have outside stressors other than the immediate obvious loss of your child and even though nothing else seems to matter in life right now, we all have to face the decision to return to work, take additional time off, can we afford to be off work, when do I go back to church, when to continue a project etc….Some of us can’t bear the thought of working and facing our co-workers or staying on task when all we can do is cry while others may do just the opposite and work over time feeling the challenge of a work environment is exactly what they need. Don’t be misguided in thinking that by throwing yourself into work this will somehow heal you because in reality you are only avoiding the unavoidable. If you’re going back because you’re ready or have to financially then that’s completely different from avoidance. Don’t fear your company will suffer by you being gone because where the company suffers is when you return without the mental ability to concentrate on the job at hand; so go back when you’re ready. Comfort in prayer is individualized. I found that by asking God to give me peace and heal my pain was part of the reason I even felt hope in the first place after my son died. It’s my belief that grief recovery is difficult on your own and without the grace of God, it’s going to be harder to work through the pain, guilt, anger and depression.

3. Take care of yourself and then you can take better care of others. Some parents can’t sleep or eat while others over eat and stay in bed all day and night. None of which is good and something I still struggle with after 7 years. I am an emotional eater and although I am learning to redirect my stressors, it’s all a process and learned behavior. The key to success is surrounding yourself with a good support team. The death of a child takes a huge toll on you mentally and physically. The need for rest and proper diet is of course a necessity and easier said than done. If you’re having difficulty sleeping you may want to create a sleep time ritual or routine. I found bubble baths is the most relaxing ritual prior to bedtime. It’s difficult for most to eat immediately after your child has died and food was delivered for days by so many.  Everyone wanted me to eat but I just couldn’t do it. It’s later on that food can be a crutch and it’s a habit so hard to break. Some parents never regain the appetite for food and their health begins to suffer as well. Try to remember to eat for fuel only even if you have no appetite. Taking care of yourself is not just physical but mental as well. Some may need anti-depressants, or therapy. Some may never seek the help they need. It’s your mind and body and nobody knows you better than you! If you need to cope by way of medication then seek a doctor that can help you. There is no shame in seeking the help you need to learn how to live your new normal life. Work with your family physician or therapist you trust and feel comfortable with to find out what works for you and make a plan for treatment. I found there are many grief sites that will offer suggestions and others that give reviews on who and what worked for them. Even though we are all different, if you’re at a loss for direction it may be helpful to reach out to someone who has walked your same journey for suggestions.

4.  Evaluate friendships and other relationship. If we ever needed a friend in our life it would be after hearing the news your child has died. Allow your friends to be there for you. This is the only way they know to care for you whether it be cooking a meal, listening, running your errands etc…One of the most painful realities is the friends we thought we could count on just simply pull away during this grieving period. Some people simply do not know what to say. Our friends who are also parents may feel uncomfortable with the reminder that the loss of a child is possible. If you have friends encourage you to go through your grief on your own pace you should listen to them. If you have friends that push you to "get over" your grief and try to hurry you through your grieving process, you need to set boundaries. If necessary, distance yourself from those who insist on dictating and directing your grieving journey. Remember your friends and family are hurting too and have their own grief to work through so allow them to cry as well and work through their own pain. We tend to forget as parents that our child was loved by others and we aren’t the only people suffering in sorrow even if our levels of grief and loss are different they too need time to heal.

5. Keeping your child’s memory alive and celebrating their life on earth and in heaven. Our child is gone and the pain sets in so deep that it hurts for a lifetime but we can keep our child close to our heart and keep their memory alive in so many ways. You can host many different events from just family and friends to an open invitation for the public. A memorial dinner/gathering a few weeks after the funeral would be a great way to honor your child. Sharing memories, photos, stories and laughter. This event could be at your home, family home, the park or somewhere your child enjoyed going. You should consider a scholarship offering or memorial fund. You can combine the two if you prefer. My son’s classmates start a 5K run held annually in Memphis that not only brings everyone together honoring my son but also to raise funds for a scholarship that is given away each year to a deserving senior at my son’s high school. Visit www.bryantkitememorialfund.com for more information. You could also call the local University or high school to set up other scholarships honoring your child in his or her name. You can hold a fundraiser such as our 5K to raise funds to donate to a particular charity or project that was meaningful to your child. Think about the activities and interest of your child and what was important to them and look for ways to donate to a good cause. You can create a web page, Facebook page etc…..The social media has endless opportunities to spread the word. You can collect photos on your sites and stories as well. You can provide information on fundraising and events to honor your child. Birthday banners and announcements for your child’s family and friends. If you’re really creative you may want to begin the project for scrap booking, photo albums, and art work designs. If your child enjoyed art you can collect art and have it framed.  Scrap booking could be a family project that would allow siblings to feel they too have a contribution to their brother or sisters memory.

I chose to write and in April 2014 my book Wake-Up Call was published.Visit www.wake-upcallbook.com for more information. Depending on the nature and circumstances of your child’s death you may want to lobby for better laws, or become an activist for a good cause. For example if your child was killed by a gun to may want to join an organization enforcing gum control or if they were killed by a drunk driver you may want to research joining (MADD) Mothers against drunk drivers.  John Walsh became famous after his six-year-old son Adam was murdered, he went on to help sponsor legislation to toughen laws on those convicted of violence against children and hosted a TV show focused on catching violent criminals and has made a huge difference in law enforcement.

6. Do whatever you need to do work through your grief in a positive way. Some parents have asked whether it’s a good idea to continue to celebrate birthdays in honor of their child memory and of course it is! There are no right or wrong ways to do this--if it would give you comfort and allow you to celebrate all that was good, funny and bright about your child, then plan a birthday event. You can invite close friends and family and plan a balloon release or have a candle light ceremony. You may feel connected by joining a bereavement group. Knowing that you're not alone in your grief and that others are facing similar challenges can be comforting. Bereavement support groups for parents are available in most communities. I found the National Organization of Compassionate Friends has local chapters all over the country and can offer you the chance to tell your story in a supportive, non-judgmental environment, a decreased feeling of isolation and people who validate and normalize each other's emotional. There are many National Conventions and Conferences held at different times of the year and you can simply go online to research what works best for you. Example is the National Grief Convention 2015 held in Indianapolis, IN April 16-18 and Compassionate Friends National Conference 2015 held in Dallas, TX July 10-12. There are also many forums online dedicated to giving support to those living with loss. Look for one that is specifically for parents grieving the loss of a child in order to receive better understanding of your specific loss. There are also many general grief website that too are very helpful such as Grief Tool Box. Facebook has several open and closed groups. Example for support for Mother’s who have lost their child is (SIS) Sister’s in Sorrow, Grieving Mother’s and the list goes on. Make sure however you are in a group that you feel comfortable. Some sights will display photos of their deceased infants and children so if this causes you an increase of pain do not join that particular group. If you have faith in God make sure you’re not asking to join an atheist group that could possibly offend you and set you back in your grief journey. The best advice I can give through trial an error is do your research and explore what gives you a positive outlook, hope and comfort.

-Cherie Rickard for The Grief Toolbox

Cherie is a Published Author of the book 'Wake Up Call...A Mother's Grief Journey: the call that changes your life forever', of 'Healing Your Wounded Spirit: A Guide to Fighting the Battle of Grief after Divorce, Death of a Loved-One or a Broken Friendship' and of 'Strong Women: A Guide to Building Confidence, Self-Esteem & Independence' For more information about Cherie Rickard and free resources please visit her Facebook page.

Sheri’s Corner-
Wisdom and Quotes from The East Coast

No, no, the moments which united us are greater than centuries, and the light that illuminated our spirits is stronger than the dark; and if the tempest separates us on this rough ocean, the waves will unite us on the calm shore; and if this life kills us, death will unite us.
Khalil Gibran---Lebanese artist, poet, and writer
 
What if you knew that “good-bye” only meant “so long for a time?” Wouldn’t you breathe easier? 
 
I believe that because our children are leading the way by crossing over before us, it is imperative for our sense of well-being, that we learn everything that we can about the afterlife.  I have been investigating the afterlife since 1971 and for me, Danny’s death was definitely not good-bye, not even so long, because we are still in touch now, only differently. This is possible for each of us.
 
-Written by our NYC Affiliate Leader, Sheri Perl Migdol
Please visit Sheri's Prayer Registry here.

Stories by Parents Like Us
One of the members of our Facebook Group, Debbie Bockstahler, posted this article about her son who died of a heroin overdose.  It is heartfelt and gives a meaningful account of how difficult it is to help a loved one with an addiction, or sometimes even to discern that there is a problem.  However, by raising awareness, we all move closer to a cure.  Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your beautiful Cody with us.  Please click here to read Cody's Story.
Cody and his Mom, Debbie

Jennifer Amato Tom’s Creek, NJ
email: jennifer0702@optonline.net  
After the passing of Jennifer's 2 year old son Joey, Jennifer found support from other bereaved parents. She is now finding healing in helping other bereaved parents learn to cope with their loss. Jennifer and Christine are co-hosts for Tom’s River.

Tina Babloski-Anderson Citrus County FL
email: helpingparentsheal@yahoo.com  
Tina Babloski-Anderson is a grieving mother who has learned to laugh again since the loss of her son Paul G. Babloski on October 1st, 2009. Her efforts to find comfort have led her on a journey that has not only helped to heal herself, but to bring smiles on the faces of other grieving parents. Tina said, "There is no one here in Citrus County, Florida that could understand the loss of a child, except for another parent that has experienced the same pain. So, we formed a group that supports and celebrates each other’s children. We find that by supporting each other, we can learn to laugh again.

Elizabeth Boisson-Scottsdale, AZ
email: evboisson@yahoo.com
Since the passing of her son Morgan at the Base Camp of Mount Everest due to acute altitude sickness on a student trip to Tibet in October 2009, Elizabeth has held monthly parent meetings in Arizona. She founded both the Facebook site, ‘Parents United in Loss’ in February, 2010 and then partnered with Mark Ireland to co-found ‘Helping Parents Heal’ in February 2012.  She cherishes the opportunity to meet both parents and their children in spirit.

Kristen Brown-Sanders Pensacola, FL
email: kristensanders@mcshi.com  
Kristen Brown-Sanders started The Next Step group in FL in January 2010 after her beloved daughter Sarah transitioned due to a distracted driver.  The Next Step linked in with Helping Parents Heal in 2012.

NEW GROUP - Lancy Carr-Washington DC
email: lncycrr@yahoo.com  
I have lived in Arizona since 1983. I met Karla Kay at Bikram yoga Tempe which I started doing shortly after Nathan passed away.  She told me about an event and I met Linda West, the first psychic exposure for me! It healed my heart a little and made me want to learn more. I also met Justine Schrimsher at that meeting and she told me about HPH. The first meeting I knew this is what would work for me.  I have enjoyed all the support, love and hope that is shared at every meeting. I got a new job in DC in Dec 2013 and I now want to not only support this wonderful non-profit, as it has given me so much help in my grief, but to help others heal as well.

Nancy Courtmanche-Eureka, CA
email: nancycougar@gmail.com
The loss of my son Robb, 29, has made me painfully aware of the need for parents to have a group setting that is safe and confidential. Healing occurs. Out of my loss I dedicated myself to service for others in volunteer Hospice patient care and grief support, as a Hospital Chaplain, and healing work.  This has prepared me to lead an HPH group now.

Janice Crowder-Torrez-Tucson, AZ
email: jcrowdertorrez@gmail.com
Wanting to honor her son’s spirit, courage, and the many gifts he left behind, Janice discovered Helping Parents Heal in Scottsdale, AZ.  Opening the door for other parents to grieve their loss, while offering support to small groups, Janice decided to start a chapter in Tucson where she resides and her son Anthony, aged 31, took his life. Janice is a MSN and certified in Meditation.

NEW GROUP-Lori Fina Jennings-Cape Coral, FL
email: lafj1@hotmail.com 
My son died at age 30 of a drug overdose. My surviving daughter has Down Syndrome. Life has blessed me with so many unique gifts & learning opportunities. I'd like to "be there" for people as my son was. My book, Liam's Lessons, was written with the help of my son shortly after he died. Practicing Isha Yoga has been my saving grace.

Sheryl Hill-Minneapolis, Minnesota
email: sheryl.hill@me.com  
Tyler, my beautiful sixteen year old son, died a preventable death on a People to People Student Ambassador Trip to Japan in 2007. My most important achievements are being a mother, a wife, nonprofit endeavors with the Clear Cause Foundation (to keep American children and students safe on foreign soil) and perhaps my work as an author. I did not lose the ones I love who have passed. I know where they are.

Julia LaJoie-Washington DC
email: JALAJMD@gmail.com  
I joined Helping Parents Heal in April of 2012 when I met Mark Ireland, Anne Puryear and Elizabeth Boisson at a conference in Phoenix, AZ on After Death Communication. There were many parents like myself who had lost a child and had discovered the healing that comes from ADC and other forms of spiritual growth. I am eager to join hands and hearts with other parents in the Baltimore - Washington area to grow our network and support each other in healing and spiritual growth.

NEW GROUP - Paige Lee-Boise, Idaho
email:  paigewlee@gmail.com
Paige is a Speaker, Coach, and Reiki practitioner and owns Crystal Soul Healing Center in Boise Idaho. Paige is dedicated to helping people who have experienced a profound loss, especially the loss of a child, face and release their emotions and find a way to joyfully connect with their loved one in Spirit. Her spiritual awakening came abruptly and forcefully after her only child, Bryan, was murdered in September 2008. Just as the only world she’d ever known was shattered, a new world opened. A world filled with Hope, Spirit, and Love; a world that allowed her not only to continue having a relationship with her son, but a world that opened her own true self into being.

Patti May- Ottawa, Ontario
email: pattimay@rogers.com  
I am a mother of 3 wonderful children, married 30 years to their father.I lost my son Adam in 2006 in a tragic auto accident. Since losing my son I have had afterlife signs that have helped me.  I began to search for like-minded parents to share our experiences. I came across the wonderful group Helping Parents Heal and asked if I could start a group here in Canada.

Jessalyn Nash- Sonoma County, CA
email: pwrolove@sonic.net  
Jessalyn Nash, M.A. has facilitated groups for over 25 years and is involved in the restorative justice movement. After her beloved 21-year-old son, Trystan passed away, Jessalyn has dedicated herself to helping other grieving parents.

NEW GROUP - Glenda Pearson-Granger, IN
email: glendia456@aol.com 
Glenda is a Reiki Master, Munay Ki practitioner, intuitive guide, Stephen's Minister, author and Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist.  Reflected in her book, But Should The Angels Call For Him, she speaks of her personal loss through the death of her only child, Chad, and believes there is healing for everyone.

Maria Pe - San Diego
email: maria.i.pe@hotmail.com
Maria Pe, J.D., is the mother of Sean Robert and Kyle Joseph, her two sons who transitioned to the other side on June 21, 2011.  That day was the beginning of Maria’s profound spiritual journey to find out where her sons went and how she could continue to have a relationship with them.  Having been educated in Western culture and trained as an attorney, Maria was skeptical and had no idea where to turn for the information and answers she was seeking.  She was guided to a shamanic practitioner who taught her how to raise her consciousness and energy levels through meditation so that she could connect with her sons.  She began keeping a written journal of her experiences which culminated in her book, Journey To The Upper Realm:  How I Survived the Deaths of My Sons and Learned to Communicate With Them on the Other Side (free at www.seanandkyleimaginefund.com and in hard copy on Amazon).   By sharing and talking about her own experience, she hopes to help other bereaved parents.

Sheri Perl-New York, NY
email: sheriperl@gmail.com  
Sheri Perl Migdol is a spiritual healer, an interfaith minister, an author, lecturer and mother of 3 children, one deceased. Sheri is the founder of The Prayer Registry, a free service for all bereaved parents. www.sheriperl.com.

Christine Volpe-Tom’s Creek NJ
email: cvolpe68@gmail.com  
After the passing of her 17 year old son, James, due to a vehicle accident Christine has spent countless hours helping other bereaved parents.  She is devoted to help other parents find tools to help them in their grief. Christine and Jennifer are co-hosts for Tom’s River.

NEW GROUP - Irene Vouvalides-Hilton Head, SC
email: ivouvalides@aol.com 
I lost my 24 year old daughter to esophageal - gastric cancer on February 17, 2013. She was my best friend, my only child. I have been on a spiritual quest since, reading constantly, writing about my life. I have had two sessions with George Anderson and had a phone session with Laurie Campbell. Having recently moved to South Carolina, I am very interested in connecting with other parents here. So happy to find and read Mark Ireland's books and have also taken great comfort in reading Dr Brian Weiss's books.

Laura Wilmot-Fall’s Church, VA
email: laurawilmot@gmail.com  
A retired federal HR Director, Laura taught Mexican Folk dance to children and adults and performed Mariachi music with her family for several years.  She “connects up” to her son through meditation and prayer.
Please contact Elizabeth Boisson (boissonelizabeth@gmail.com) if you would like to start an affiliate chapter in your area.
 

Mission statement of Helping Parents Heal:

Our mission is to help parents who have lost children, giving them support and resources to aid in the healing process. We will go a step beyond other groups by allowing the open discussion of spiritual experiences and evidence for the Afterlife in a non-dogmatic way. In other words, we will welcome everyone regardless of their religious (or non-religious) background and allow for a very open type of dialog.

-Mark Ireland, Co-Founder, Helping Parents Heal

Sending peace, love and white light to you and your beautiful children

Note: Information in the Helping Parents Heal newsletter is provided for the sole purpose of assisting you in finding resources (information, meetings, books, etc.) to aid in the bereavement process. This newsletter is not intended to endorse, sponsor or encourage your use of any of the information or services listed, whether from members or other individuals. Rather, our intent is simply to inform you of vast amount of resources available for your consideration. We urge you to independently research and consider the value any particular resource for yourself. Further, while we take steps to ensure accuracy of the information posted, especially relative to linked media, we accept no liability for content. Helping Parents Heal is a non-profit Corporation.