holiday

When Your Holidays Are Neither Merry Or Bright

When Your Holidays Are Neither Merry or Bright – Living with Grief During the Holiday Season

   December 12, 2016     1431  

Alas, the holiday season is upon us. And as much as I find myself delighted by light displays as it turns dark at 4:30 pm and holiday movies streaming 24/7; I also find myself struggling with very un-holiday like emotions – sadness, powerlessness, and grief.  Norman Rockwell holiday images of “Dashing Through the Snow” be damned!

2016 has been a tumultuous year.  Geo-political conflicts aside; in my small department at work – between 6 people – we have experienced the death of 11 loved ones in addition to multiple critical illnesses of family and friends.  And while I work with an outstanding group of professionals, I know that inside, grief blankets our hearts like a heavy snowfall.  Maybe this is you too this holiday season? (more…)

Read More  

93055

Check Your List and Check It Twice – A Year End Financial Checklist

   December 7, 2016     1318  

It’s the holiday season and your schedule may be filled with parties, cookie making, and spending time with family and friends.  But you better not pout, you better not cry, we’re telling you why.  While Santa Claus is coming to town this month; in a few short months so is tax-time.  Read our year-end financial tips that might help keep you off the naughty list come April 15th. (more…)

Read More  

Winterwalking Fotolia 95757615 WP

(When It’s Not) The Most Wonderful Time of Year

   December 9, 2015     1352  

Holidays carry feelings of anticipation, excitement, renewal, and appreciation. Families and friends gather to celebrate the year that’s been, and the year that is coming. Family dinners, holiday parties, and traditions, both old and new, fill these weeks. It can be the most wonderful time of year for some, but for others the holiday season is not wonderful at all.

This past March, my wife and my unborn son passed away unexpectedly. The loss of my wife and unborn son tore apart everything I knew. On Wednesday night, I fell asleep knowing that within 24 hours, I would be a father, and my wife would be a mother. The next day I was a widower. (more…)

Read More