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Welcome to the May issue of our Helping Parents Heal Newsletter!
Hello! 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!
We have more exciting news about affiliates this month. Steven Joseph, The Tall Medium, will be starting an affiliate in Omaha, Nebraska. Brian Smith, the author of the blog that was featured in last month's newsletter, 'Beautiful Light', will be starting an affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio. Donna Costley will be starting an affiliate in Sacramento, California and Michelle Stein hopes to share the leadership of an affiliate in Lafayette, California. Please send them an email if you'd like to attend! All of our affiliate leaders' emails are listed on the bottom right of the newsletter.
Once again, this month's newsletter contains stories of validation and spiritual growth. Please pay special attention to the one by Margaret Anderson about her son Kenny. It is one of the most substantiating validation stories I have heard so far. She came to her first meeting of Helping Parents Heal three months ago and for three consecutive meetings Kenny has come through with validations from the different mediums (Susanne Wilson, Christine Salter and Shannon Horton) who were our guest speakers. He has been very persistent in contacting her! Her story offers hope and healing for all of us.
We have many affiliate groups available throughout the country. There is information about upcoming meetings in this newsletter. Photos and bios of all of our affiliate leaders are available on our website, www.helpingparentsheal.info.
Sending love and light to each one of you and to your beautiful children. You are not alone.
-Elizabeth Boisson, Co-Founder and President of Helping Parents Heal, Newsletter Editor and Affiliate Leader for Phoenix/Scottsdale.
Dove Balloons and Butterflies
Elizabeth with her mom, Judy Veney, her husband Cyril & her daughter Christine
I will never cease to be amazed at the many ways that our children let us know that they are always with us. I recently experienced a series of synchronicities that was indisputably orchestrated by my son Morgan. On April 16th, we organized a dedication of the new benches that we had ordered for our him and for Kyle, the son of our good friends Nita and Glenn Erickson.
As it happened, Evidential Medium Suzanne Giesemann and her husband Ty were traveling and speaking throughout Arizona at the time of the dedication. I was signed up to attend one of her events, ‘Channeling Sanaya’, at Unity of Phoenix on April 19th. Our Hilton Head affiliate leader, Irene Vouvalides, texted to tell me that I needed to get together with Suzanne while she was in Phoenix. Suzanne had not only healed Irene through her connection with her daughter, Carly; she was also her good friend. Please watch an incredible video about Irene and Suzanne here.
I emailed Suzanne to see if we could arrange a lunch or dinner while she was in the area. She immediately responded and told me that she would love to and that the best possible night for her and Ty would be Saturday, the 16th-the evening of our bench dedication! Even more amazing, Suzanne and Ty would be camping at the Cave Creek Regional Recreation area, just a few miles down the road. They readily agreed to join us.
Wow! What an uplifting evening it was! My beautiful friend, Psychic Medium Susanne Wilson, also joined us for the hike. We made our way to Morgan and Kyle’s benches and at the final turnoff, Suzanne Giesemann said “Mariposa Hill Trail-very meaningful!”. I told her that it was meaningful and it was rather remarkable that the spot had opened up for our benches. The day we called to find out about putting the benches in the Spur Cross Regional Recreation Area, we weren’t excited about any of the spots suggested by the ranger, Kevin. Many of them were picturesque but were located in areas that were too rugged for our friends and family to access. And other spaces had room for just one bench.
However, that same afternoon, Kevin phoned me back to tell me that a new trail had just opened with two spots side by side. It was to be called ‘Mariposa Hill Trail’, Butterfly Hill Trail. What could be more perfect for Morgan and Kyle? Cyril and I immediately drove to Spur Cross and hiked the 20 minutes to the site. Once we were there, we knew it was perfect. The hike ended on a summit that overlooks the eponymous Cave Creek. The view was spectacular and I could feel our boys’ presence as we stood there.
We called Kevin to confirm as soon as we got to an area with cell phone service. Then as we turned in to our driveway a few miles away, a herd of about 9 deer stood silently across the path leading to our garage. We slowly drove towards them and watched in wonder as they stared back at us, clearly not wanting to budge. It was a beautiful, awe-inspiring moment. I knew that all of our kids were gathering to let us know that it was the perfect spot to place our benches. Such a meaningful validation!
I mentioned this to Suzanne and Ty as we hiked. Little did I know how much butterflies meant to them as well! Later that week I read her book, ‘Messages of Hope’, which details the ongoing communication that she and Ty have with their daughter Susan, a profound connection that started with yellow butterflies.
And the validations didn’t end there! When we reached the summit of the trail, Cyril distributed biodegradable white dove balloons to friends and family to be set free to Kyle’s favorite song, Freebird. The balloons took flight and went south across the evening sky. I was sure that they would land fairly close by, especially since the helium was only supposed to last for about 12 more hours.
To my surprise, Suzanne called two days later and told me that she had some amazing news! She and Ty had been driving back from an event on the 101 freeway, about 35 miles south of the location of the bench dedication. As Ty describes it on his blog: “A remarkable synchronicity occurred two days later… Right at dusk, one of those dove-shaped balloons swooped down just a few feet over our car as we drove down the freeway. How it stayed airborne that long and passed right over our car is still a poignant mystery…”
I know that our boys were confirming that they were with us at the ceremony and that their love for us will never die. Just as our kids are able to communicate through butterflies and hummingbirds, they are also able to manipulate the path of a balloon to offer proof that they share in everything we do.
I had the good fortune of spending time with Suzanne and Ty again this past weekend. I attended Suzanne's very first mediumship development seminar in Prescott, AZ. During the seminar, Suzanne gave us the necessary tools and skills to connect with our loved ones in spirit. The most exciting part about the weekend was that Suzanne demystified the idea of becoming a medium and made it accessible to each of us. And by connecting with spirit, we can more easily move forward, safe in the knowledge that our children are with us every step of the way.
So I am sure that many of you are wondering "Well, are you a medium now or aren't you?" And truthfully, I am not a medium yet. That takes hours of meditation and practice. However, I did have some 'wow!' moments when I was reading other participants this weekend! And I now know that I can get there if I work hard enough.
I love receiving Morgan's validations, but I am even more grateful for the wonderful friends that he has sent into our lives to help us heal. Spending time with Suzanne and Ty Giesemann has been a blessing.
Please click here to view Suzanne's latest interview, Buddha at the Gas Pump.
-Much love to all of you, Elizabeth Boisson
Evidential Medium Suzanne Giesemann and Elizabeth Boisson in Prescott
Kenny and his Three Validations
Kenny (8) with his sister Kay (4) , Kenny (17) with his brother Kai (4), Margaret Anderson
I was asked to share my validation experiences and for many reasons the project has been a slow process. Let me start by saying that I lost my oldest son Kenny on October 29, 2004. He was killed late one night on his way home from work when a garbage truck pulled out in front of him. He was 23. His death devastated me, as it would for any mother, and unfortunately my 2 surviving children (a 20yr old daughter and a 10yr old son) were also deeply affected, particularly my oldest daughter who was closest in age to her brother.
I think the technical term for it is Disenfranchised Grief. You don’t really think about siblings when you are in the midst of the worst experience of your life as a Mom, especially a single Mom. I mean, you know they are there and they are the reason you get up every day, but you don’t realize how much the loss affects them too. We just survive day by day. I mention my daughter because for the most part I haven’t been able to fully grieve Kenny’s loss because I have been waiting for “the other shoe to drop” - knowing that my daughter would eventually take her own life to be with her brother, to end the sadness to, escape the emptiness. I went to sleep at night waiting for the call; you know the one.
Parents who have lost children don’t wonder “IF” something will happen to their children because we lived the “IF”. We wonder “when” it will happen again. It’s always in the back of our minds. His death left her in a place of deep sadness and despair. Over time I became angry that her brother Kenny couldn’t see her pain, couldn’t comfort her, and couldn’t be her “Angel”. I heard so many stories of how loved ones came to comfort and guide and wondered where the hell Kenny was.
It wasn’t just my daughter either, he was nowhere for his little brother as he struggled with life as well. I was just so angry. Of course, I developed health issues that kept me from living a normal life; at times they were debilitating. I say of course because carrying around that much anger and not being able to forgive something that can’t be forgiven really weighs on a person. I tried grief groups, healing circles, hands-on healers, sweat lodges, herbs, oils, meditation, you name it nothing helped. So I stopped, resigned to the fact that he didn’t feel an attachment to his siblings or to me and that was that. I resigned myself to the fact that he would never come to us. I resigned myself to the fact that this illness would kill me; that I wasn’t on this earth for long and prayed that the kids would be ok after I was gone.
In January I ventured out to a group, Helping Parents Heal. A Medium was scheduled to speak and even though I hadn’t heard from Kenny in over 11 years I decided to go. I arrived a few minutes early, assuming I would get a seat, but the place was standing-room only. I almost left but just for the heck of it I opened a side door to the room and immediately heard someone shouting my name. I heard it again before I realized it was my friend Lisa - Lisa lost a son 3 yrs ago and coincidentally her son was my (surviving) son’s best friend. Lisa waived me over to an empty seat by her. I had no idea that she would be there. Did I mention it was SRO and there was overflow in the hall? I guess it was meant to be.
The medium that evening was Suzanne Wilson and she began by guiding us through a mediation that emphasized setting up a time each day to speak to our loved ones, almost like setting an appointment. I didn’t put much into it because, again, I had resigned myself to the fact that Kenny wasn’t around. After the meditation she focused in on a loved one whose name began with a K and immediately a woman in the hall spoke up; it was someone she knew. Susanne began the “narrowing in” to confirm the spirit belonged to this woman but halfway through the process, it was obvious they didn’t belong together and Susanne mentioned the second initial as a C. My son’s initials are KC; in fact all my children are KC’s. Susanne pointed me out. It was Kenny.
Kenny spoke very briefly to me. I don’t remember much of it; I was in shock and disbelief. I know he said “I am sorry” and he mentioned “you did everything right”, you now, the standard things they say. Then he mentioned that he was “at a party with someone close to you”. As he began describing the person, it turned out to be Lisa’s son. And then her son Anthony came through to speak with her. I wish I remembered more but as I said I was in shock and disbelief. I hadn’t heard from Kenny at all and now it was a very brief dialogue.
A month later Lisa invited me to go see James van Praagh with her, it was very last minute but I decided to go. One of the things James spoke about was how our loved ones will come to us when they know we are going to be at a certain place and at a certain time, similar to what Susanne mentioned about setting appointments. So keeping that in mind, I made it a point to talk to Kenny about my plan to attend the next Helping Parents Heal event. The next one featured Medium Christine Salter and it was on March 20, a few weeks after. Over the next few weeks I reminded him of our “appointment” and wondered if he would show up - again.
On March 20th, Kenny did show up again and he said the same standard things but this time Christine asked me if I had anything I wanted to ask or say to him and I said “I want to know where he’s been. I want to know why he hasn’t been here helping his little sister and brother”. As a mom, I was wondering why the “big brother” hadn’t been around for his siblings. As a mom, I didn’t care if he’s alive or passed; he had a responsibility to be there for them.
I know it sounds crazy but that’s what I expect from my children, as a family, as siblings, so the fact that Kenny wasn’t among the living didn’t excuse his behavior one bit. See? Sounds crazy right? Was I the only parent who has ever had these thoughts? We all had a laugh about it but Kenny said that he had a contract to fulfill and when it was complete he would be here with us. I immediately knew what he meant.
When he passed away he was living with his Grandparents, my parents, out of state, helping out after his Grandmother’s heart attack. My mother passed away 3 years ago and my father isn’t far behind. The “contract” he was referring to was to be there to help out. After all these years, this finally made sense and surprisingly I was able to release some of the anger. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to call him out on his behavior, just as I would have done if he were standing in front of me.
I set another appointment with Kenny for April 17; this Helping Parents Heal event would feature Medium Shannon Horton. I didn’t expect Kenny to come again; honestly I still had my doubts about the first 2 visits. Shannon began the session and after about an hour I got up to stretch my legs and left the room. I was only gone for about 15 minutes but when I returned to my seat neighbor said that Shannon had asked if I was coming back.
I wasn’t sure what that meant until she finished the reading for another parent and looked right at me and said that my son was here. She validated 1 his death by traumatic brain injury 2 his love for fast things and flying and 3 my daughter’s pregnancy. My daughter had become pregnant with a son in March of 2014, her due date had been October 29th, and coincidentally that was also Kenny’s Angelversary.
We were over the moon happy because we fully believed that the new baby was Kenny. My daughter was alive again and looking forward to this new chapter of her life and finally closing the old one. However in July she lost the baby and was forced to deliver our beautiful baby Baylor, born sleeping. She fell into a tailspin and barely made it out alive. As I explained this to Shannon, she said that Baylor WAS Kenny. That he was coming to help her heal but knew that Baylor would be born with medical issues and he didn’t want to burden my daughter with a life like that, so he exited.
Shannon said that Kenny would come again through her next pregnancy and that he would then be with us forever. I was in shock as she explained that sprits and loved ones sometimes do that. It sounded incredible. Kenny was done for now and I began to sort through the information and tried to process it. I was grateful that Shannon was recording the session because I would have never been able to repeat or recall what she said. Toward the end of the session, Kenny interrupted another reading to come back again. Shannon asked if anyone knew a Kenny; please take note that I NEVER mentioned my sons name at all that day. When she said Kenny, I looked around the room, assuming that someone else knew a Kenny, but there wasn’t anyone. It was then that I raised my hand and claimed him. He came back to tell me to stop doubting the messages that I have been receiving.
So here I am a parent grief group drop out who took a chance and tried a new group. Here I am “setting appointments” to speak to a son that I had never heard from prior to the appointments. Here I am, doubting the messages I’m receiving and having a son who knows me well enough to recognize this. Over the past few months, since I have been coming to these events, I have been able to get the information I needed to start my healing process. And after hearing Shannon’s recording, my daughter was able to release some of her grief too. I am immensely grateful for this group and that we are given the gifts of the Mediums who have brought messages of hope and healing for parents and siblings.
-Written by Kenny’s Mom, Margaret Anderson
Dr. Mark Pitstick and his book 'SoulProof'
Evolved Souls Don’t Need Long Earthly Lives
May 2016
by Mark Pitstick, MA, DC
Welcome to the Helping Parents Heal Q & A. The death of a child is very difficult, painful, and sad. At the same time, it can be a spiritually transformative experience. You can—moment by moment—choose to heal by awakening to your and their true nature (much more than the physical body), honoring their lives, serving others, and enjoying life again. That’s the balance Helping Parents Heal seeks to maintain.
I recommend reading the Foundational Articles for Healing and Transformation that form a basis for my answers. Links at lower left of www.soulproof.com home page.
I’ve also created several products with information and strategies for surviving and even thriving amidst your suffering. http://www.soulproof.com/shop/ If you truly can’t afford them, let us know and we’ll send them to you at no charge. Then, when you are doing better, you can “pay it forward” and help others.
Q: I just learned that the place where we spread a majority of my daughter's ashes and where she loved to hike is experiencing a massive wildfire. The third anniversary of her angel date is May 17th. I'm absolutely devastated. It feels like she is being cremated all over again. In my mind, I'm right back at the funeral home telling the director I wasn't ready to sign the authorization to cremate her because there was a tear coming out of her eye the night before. I said, "Dead people don't cry, she's going to wake up!" - Audra
A: I can certainly understand how that could feel terribly difficult, Audra. Of course you might feel devastated as you were reminded of the time immediately following your daughter’s passing.
But there’s always another way of looking at things, isn’t there? When you find yourself thinking about the wildfire, you could “reframe” it as a blessed opportunity to release old emotions that were lying just under the surface. Nature is giving you a chance to heal another layer of your grief and live more fully in the present moment. You can see things more clearly now and escape from the shock of three years ago.
You could also make a decision to find an empowering symbol in all this. The phoenix, for example, is a well-known image that reminds us of a powerful truth: life always springs anew from the ashes and continues on eternally in different form. Similarly, forest rangers use controlled fires to burn undergrowth and improve tree growth. Another metaphor is how the strongest metals are forged in the hottest flames.
Most importantly, remember that the cremated ashes—despite being the only visible remnant of her earthly body—are not her. Her real self/soul/consciousness/energy is so much more than that. And now you have a chance to remember that more deeply. Finally, I can’t say enough about the healing power of the Transformational Breathwork technique. To learn more, visit http://www.soulproof.com/product/transformational-breath-work/ If you or any other readers want to use this healing approach, email me and I’ll send a link for a digital download at no cost.
All of the above won’t take away all of your pain and sadness, but it will lighten it. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing over time.
Q: Does it make me a bad person I don't want people posting about my daughter if they never even knew her? I just feel like they are doing it for attention. Should this make me upset? - Kaci
A: Thank you for your honesty, Kaci. It’s common for bereaved parents to catch themselves being irritable, or worse, over things that wouldn’t even have registered before. You have every right to feel everything you feel. You have been to hell and back, so to speak. So, no, it doesn’t make you a bad person.
Once you realize that, you can begin to look more deeply into the situation. Perhaps some residual sadness, bitterness or anger – all completely justifiable – are carrying over into how you feel about their posts. Maybe they really mean well, and are even dealing with their own fears about death, by sending messages about your daughter. There are a few bad eggs in the world, but the vast majority are good and caring people. Check out article #3 “12 Keys to Surviving and Thriving When a Child Passes On” to help you become more balanced, happy, and peaceful. Let me know how that works and if you have any follow-up questions or challenges.
Q: My 34 year-old son died on October 19, 2015 after a four year battle with congestive heart failure. His daughter, my nine-year-old granddaughter, seems to be handling things pretty well. Every weekend, she comes to our house where we have lots of his pictures and reminders around. I think she's going through more than I can get her to talk about. She was going to a support group at school, but she said it didn't help her. How can I help my granddaughter when I don't know what she needs? – Nanette
A: Great question, Nanette. Your granddaughter is fortunate to have such a caring and concerned grandma. Trust your instincts. Grandmothers are beyond special and you obviously are a wise woman. As such, your very presence is comforting and stabilizing for her. Talk with her about it honestly. It’s only been six months so you all are understandably in shock and trying to cope. Her way of dealing with it might be to go within for awhile. You will be there for her when she is ready to talk more.
Also, remember that earth-age doesn’t equal soul-age. Your granddaughter may be a more evolved soul who agreed to participate in this scenario to grow and serve others. She may even be there to help you, not the other way around.
Just talk with her openly and tell her how you are feeling. Then sit in silence and let her respond or not. Another approach might be to look at old photos and mementos of your son together. That will trigger memories and might stimulate conversation. Feel free to email me with any follow-up questions.
Q: Is it normal to gain a huge amount of weight after your child dies? I gained forty pounds and am having a hard time taking it off. My doctor says it is the grief. – Michelle
A: It’s not normal, Michelle, but it’s not unheard of. Your doctor is correct that grief is one possible underlying cause. The severe shock after a child’s death can greatly stress the endocrine (hormonal) glands: adrenals, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, and ovaries. Any resulting imbalances can, in turn, affect your metabolism so you burn calories at a slower rate.
Another common cause is overeating carbs and processed “comfort foods.” Those can provide a temporary energy boost due to spiking blood sugar levels. You—and anyone else—can email me and I’ll send a 90-day Healing Diet that will help you lose weight, increase energy, and allow your body/mind to start healing itself. I also recommend that you be evaluated with Nutrition Response Testing or similar holistic method that uses a real food diet, whole food supplements, and improved lifestyle habits so you can begin getting well again. For more information, see point #6 in article #10: “7 Keys to Fine-Tune Your Body/Mind.” Contact me if you can’t find a local practitioner and I will work with you.
Note: This information is not designed to replace medical or psychological care. Dr. Pitstick’s recommendations are based on his forty-three years of professional training and experience in hospitals, mental health centers, and holistic private practice.
Mark Pitstick, MA, DC is an author, clinical psychologist, chiropractic physician, frequent media guest, and workshop leader who helps you know and show that—no matter what is going on around you—this earth-experience is a totally safe and magnificent adventure amidst forever. Visit www.soulproof.com for free radio shows with top consciousness experts, newsletters, and articles addressing life’s toughest changes and challenges. Email Mark at mark@soulproof.com to ask him your toughest and most challenging questions
-Dr. Mark Pitstick is a Board Member of Helping Parents Heal and of Eternea
Mark will soon be hosting Eternea Chat webinars. Please click here to learn more and to participate!
The topic for the first webinar on June 21st will be: When a Loved One Dies: 7 Things to Remember.
Mark will also be interviewed by George Noory on Coast to Coast Radio. The time slot is from 3 - 5am EST Thursday May 5th.
If you are not asleep during the show, you can listen in live and call in with questions. If so, you can listen to the archived show.
The name of the segment will be "Ask the Soul Doctor." We will discuss the biggest quandaries and fears people have about life, death, and afterlife. We seek to provide sensible, evidence-based answers to the questions that have puzzled and haunted so many.
Words to Inspire from Ernie and Kristine Jackson
Kristine and Ernie
Q is in the House
Nearly seven years have passed since the Q-man transitioned back to pure energy. He rocked our world with his visits and so changed our perspective that we have published two books about our experiences and experiences of others. So many visits and signs, and we are grateful for every one of them!
Early in our journey of finding our footing in what can only be termed a new normal, Joe and Ann Kechter stopped by for a visit. Their visit came at a time when Quinton had only been gone for two and one-half months. Joe and Ann lost their son in the Columbine tragedy and had experienced many signs from their son Mathew, so they were perfect to provide us with counsel.
Joe and I spoke man to man, but before he left, his eyes sparkled and he asked, “Have you seen anything strange?” The courage it takes to ask that question when somebody is in the throes of grieving is huge, but he asked the question and I leapt and said yes! He said to enjoy it because it probably won’t last for forever; the “it” being the signs and visits. Now, after nearly seven years have passed, we only go to group settings with a medium to lend our own energy to help those in attendance to get messages.
With that thought in mind we attended the Helping Parents Heal April 17th meeting with Medium Shannon Horton. After we arrived, just as the meeting was starting, we sat down and became comfortable. The first spirit who came through was a gift from heaven. He was a little boy who had a message for his Mom who wasn’t even there, but his Mom’s friend was there. This six-year-old little boy shared that he escaped his body and subsequently didn’t feel any pain before he was killed. As he spoke he shared a very, very strong message of forgiveness towards his killer and directed his Mom to forgive this individual as well. To start a session like this was over-the-top as everyone in the audience was enraptured with what was going on and the Mom’s friend was in tears and eventually left to try and contact this sweet little boy’s mother.
At this point, I closed my eyes and slumped toward Kristine. The exhausting week still weighed heavily on me. This is where the second spirit came through and Shannon asked if anyone knew Scott or anyone who had a name that began with S. Well, I don’t know about you, but when a medium throws out a name – I fixate on the name and completely forget the “or name that begins with S”. I listened silently, almost dozing when I heard her say that she was being drawn to the man in with glasses and in the blue shirt. I open my eyes and look around; she was directing her comments to me and asked if I knew Scott or anybody with a name that begins with S, and then asked if my son transitioned. After a moment I indicated that our son’s middle name is Stone and it became clear that he was making contact through Shannon.
There was a lot of information packed into Quinton’s visit and thank goodness Shannon provided a recording. Kristine and I strongly recommend recording any sessions with a medium; I am still having a tough time processing all the information provided, and must listen to the recording multiple times for it to begin to sink in, but here is a snap shot:
- I tend to think of Quinton as a boy; he would be a teenager now and would like me to think of him as an adult, but he indicated he will stop aging at 20. LOL
- Quinton has a great sense of humor and he gets that from both Kristine and I. See above! J
- Kristine took his transition the hardest, but Quinton is with her daily.
- There is nothing that could have been done to avoid his transition; this was part of our soul contracts.
- Our love is helping Quinton on the other side.
- Quinton is an old soul, and was meant to blast his healing / loving energy brightly for a short time here in the physical world.
- Quinton validated some plans Kristine is in the early stages of developing that relate to helping others organize their lives. This may take the form of being a consultant as she is always helping others.
- Quinton validated that he is always messing with us by changing the times on the clocks in our house and even sometimes helping me get to my appointments when I am expected to be late. He also will delay me to prevent me from getting into accidents.
This reading was riddled with validating comments. Shannon does not know us and nor is much of this information in our books, for those who might be skeptically minded. Also, Quinton made contact through his middle name – never happened before! This was another first for us with Quinton and Shannon’s reading was probably the strongest he has come through to us via a medium.
This is where the rubber meets the road. Not only did his visit lift our spirits, but it again reinforces that truly, there is no death. There is only a doorway, a veil and our loved ones are on the other side and available to us in times we know not.
Blessings!
-Ernie and Kristine Jackson
-Ernie Jackson is a Board Member of Helping Parents Heal and the proud father of Quinton. His two books,'Quinton's Messages' and 'Quinton's Legacy', are available at www.quintonsmessages.com. Please also view Ernie and Kristine's video of their June presentation at the Phoenix/Scottsdale Chapter of Helping Parents Heal here.
Affiliate Updates -
Beth D'Angelo - Big Island of Hawaii
Sean and his Mom, Beth d'Angelo
Healing Energy in Hawaii
I held my first HPH meeting on Saturday. There were eight people who came; five children were represented. Wow.
To witness the energy shift from the first "Hello" to feeling very connected to each other was worth all the prep work and my own personal process of "should I be doing this". I have to take a moment and thank my best friend, Irene Vouvalides (Hilton Head affiliate group leader) for encouraging me to forge this fork in the road. And Elizabeth Boisson for holding space for me as I contemplated doing something for the greater good..I am filled with such gratitude and blessings.
I had to use my iPad for the visual parts - it worked perfectly with the hospitals' AV system. I chose to ditch many of my visuals, talked mostly, interjected validation and empathy in the "inbetweens" of the parents sharing. There is a wonderful 23 minute video on YouTube ("Out of Order") that I planned on showing - ditched that too. It wasn't necessary and it didn't feel appropriate. Which is a big take away for me; "plan the theme...but let Spirit flow".
I did read the piece by George Anderson from the January 2015 HPH newsletter, "I Was There". It was a perfect read and connection to bring the concept that our children have been with us every step of our journey.
I included a visual that made a huge impact entitled 'Stages of Grief/My Experience'. EVERYONE nodded and smiled and said this picture was exactly what they have experienced - contradicting the experts who use the one on the left without understanding that this journey is not neat and orderly nor is it clean and easy to read - it's messy and confusing and will only untangle in time.
Note: I found out that besides professional therapists and Hospice of Kona and Hospice of Hilo - there is NO other community support group on the Big Island of Hawaii (and Hospice of Kona is at capacity in their bereavement groups). Helping Parents Heal IS IT, at this time. If I'd have known that prior to Irene and Elizabeth's encouragement - I am not sure if I'd have the courage to do this. The practice of getting out of my own way and allowing Spirit to flow through me is getting easier.
-Written by our Hawaii affiliate leader, Beth D’Angelo
Phoenix/Scottsdale Inspiring Messages from a Bereaved Sibling
Camber Wilson at Unity of Phoenix on May 15th
Please join us for our May 15th meeting of Helping Parents Heal - Scottsdale/Phoenix at Unity of Phoenix, 1500 E Greenway Parkway as we welcome Camber Wilson. Camber is an intuitive life coach whom I had the good fortune to meet through my good friend, Psychic Medium Susanne Wilson. Please read Camber's short bio below to learn more about her journey:
Hi, my name is Camber Wilson. I am very excited to be invited to come and share my journey with all of you on May 15th. I am an Intuitive Life Coach and a developing Spiritual Medium.
At a young age I experienced death and grief. I lost my oldest brother, and twin flame, to a drowning accident. I have very few earthly memories of him, but he has been with me always. Because of his loss, and because of other circumstances, there has never been a time that I have not been able to feel people's emotions as well as to feel and sense spirit. My beautiful brother has been one of my most amazing supports and teachers throughout my life.
But our family, after losing such a treasured piece of us, was pretty badly damaged and there have been many hardship we all have endured. I am very excited to come and share how I was able to find becoming whole within myself after a life of great hardship and loss in the hopes that maybe it will help uplift and support you in your journey. This is my story of finding myself, embracing my gifts, and finding something that I am most grateful for: healing, meaning, and purpose.
I hope to see you there. Sending you love and light. -Camber Wilson
You can learn more about Camber on her Facebook site, Path to Purpose, Intuitive Life Coaching. Please RSVP and learn more about her meeting here.
Psychic Medium Shannon Horton at Unity of Phoenix April 21st
Shannon Horton with parents at Unity of Phoenix
We had an uplifting meeting with Psychic Medium Shannon Horton on April 17th. Shannon brought through validations for 10 of the parents who attended the meeting, including my husband Cyril! She told him that Morgan was present and that he is proud of his Dad. Morgan never stays for long-I know that he wants other parents to have time to get their precious messages. But as he left she told Cyril that he was giving him a hug-a BIG BEAR hug. Morgan's nickname when he was a University of Arizona cheerleader was 'Big Bear' because of the wonderful hugs he liked to give. So this was extremely significant to Cyril.
Shannon is a pure, beautiful soul and she hopes to be of service to others in any way she can. In fact, the day after the event, she sent me an email that read:
Hi Elizabeth,
I really enjoy giving messages at grief recovery groups. Do you know any other grief groups that would be open to and could use my services? I would even like to work with trauma as well. This is my calling and it felt so good to give back and help your members yesterday!
Blessings!, Shannon
Please let Shannon know if she can be of service to you. This newsletter is filled with validation stories from parents that she has helped. You can visit Shannon's website here and view our list of recommended spiritual mediums here.
Please contact Elizabeth Boisson at boissonelizabeth@gmail.com if you are interested in starting an affiliate in your area.
Parents Making a Difference-
Leann Hull and Andy Hull's Sunshine Foundation
Leann Hull and Boulder Creek Auditorium
Leann Hull is a mother on a mission. After her beloved son Andy took his life on December 11, 2012, she created Andy Hull's Sunshine Foundation in his name. Through it, she has provided awareness and prevention of suicide to thousands of young people throughout the country. On April 21st, LeAnn presented at an event at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, AZ to several packed auditoriums.
What an emotional, powerful, and uplifting morning at Boulder Creek High School. Three speeches later, hundreds of kids, parents, teachers, Principals from multiple schools and thousands of "You Matter!" wristbands handed out... I am exhausted and exhilarated with the warm responses!
Please learn more about Leann and her foundation by visiting her website here.
Sheri’s Corner-
Wisdom and Quotes from The East Coast
Sheri’s Corner-Wisdom and Quotes from the East Coast
Grief is not a disorder, a disease or sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, and the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.
-Rabbi Earl Grollman
Grief is definitely not a disorder and all of us who have lost children know that to be true. It is the price we pay for the deep love we have for our children. I do not believe, however, that the only cure for grief is to grieve. Yes, we need to grieve, but grieving alone is not enough. In my opinion we need to connect-up-in-spirit to our loved ones-in-spirit and make them a part of our lives now.
I believe that each of us can cultivate a new kind of relationship with our children, one that is not based on seeing and holding them, but based on the love between us and them and on modes of communication that are indeed possible. Since my son Danny passed in 2008, I have had many “conversations” with him through numerous, different means. There is no doubt in my mind that what you lose in the flesh you can find in the spirit and when you do, much of your sorrow and loneliness is lessened. In fact, it’s the only real solace I know. For more information on how to connect-up with your child, I would recommend my book to you: “Lost and Found” here.
-Written by our NYC Affiliate Leader, Sheri Perl Migdol
Please visit Sheri's Prayer Registry here. RSVP for Sheri's June 5th meeting here.
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. We receive all and do not judge people or their children on the basis of life choices. -Mark Ireland, Cofounder, Helping Parents Heal