Supporting Someone Who is Grieving

In lieu of the death of Robin Williams, I have decided to write a post about some suggestions as to how you can help/support someone who is grieving.

I have been wanting to write about this for a while, but Robin Williams' death has motivated me to actually do the post.

Also, I have gone through my own experiences with grieving, the closest of which was my mom's death.

So, here are some of my suggestions.

1. Don't force the person to do anything they don't want to do. They are grieving, and may not want to go out, or talk for a while. If you tell them to go out, or do something, while they are still grieving, they may shrink away from you, or the situation.
2. Do NOT tell the person to "get over it." They never will. This is probably the WORST thing you can say to someone who is grieving. Never, ever say it. EVER.
3. Do invite them to something, even if you know/think they'll decline. It'll make them feel like you care about them, and that they were being thought of.
4. Do not force them to talk about what they are going through. But do listen, truly listen, for when/if they do want to talk about it. They just need someone to be there for them.
5. Don't tell them you know what they are going through. The grieving process is different for each person, so you don't know how they are going through it. You may know what it is like to lose someone, but you do not know their pain.
6. Give them hugs as often as you can. Hugs seriously help.
7. Help them with everyday things, like chores, shopping, cleaning, etc. If they are willing to let you take them up/help them with these things. You do not need to force yourself on them, but do let them know you are willing to help out however you can.
8. Give them some space if necessary. Sometimes it is best to give the person who is grieving some space. They are going through a very tough time, and need to adjust to a new "normal." They may not want to be around people, so don't overstep it.
9. Call, email, or text them, to let them know you are thinking of them. Getting an encouraging email, call, or text also helps a lot, when going through the grieving process.

That is all that came to mind, but I'm sure there may be other things you can do to help someone who is grieving. I hope this list helps in some way!

10-Year High School Reunion

I can't believe my ten year high school reunion is coming up next month. How is that even possible?!?!

These past ten years went by so fast. Quite a few things have happened in that time, some good, some bad.

But, I wouldn't change that for anything.

To be honest, I didn't really enjoy high school. I didn't do well in my classes, I was really shy, I didn't do any sports, clubs, or activities. I didn't go to any sporting events.

Although I did go to dances throughout my high school career. They weren't too bad, but not too great either. At least I was with my friends at the dances, though.

There is no venue as of yet, but I really want to go to the reunion, which is on September 27th.

On September 26th, there is going to be a Homecoming football game, which I am planning on going to, hopefully with some friends.

There is also going to be a pre-reunion party for the class of 2004, but there is no set venue for that either.

I am slowly starting to get excited for this reunion. Some of my friends I haven't seen since graduation, and I hope I get to see them next month.

I can't wait for September 26th and 27th to get here!!!

Mourning Robin Williams

It was announced last week, as many of you may have heard, that Robin Williams died from an apparent suicide.

I was extremely shocked to hear that he was dealing with depression, as he seemed so cheerful, happy.

He was one of my favorite actors, as he was very funny, talented, and just an all-around amazing man, and I wish I could have met him.

I think my favorite movie with him in it would have to be Jumanji, although he was great in all the movies he starred in.

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, and he will be dearly missed.

R.I.P. Robin!!

Back to School Time

Well, it's that time again. Getting ready for school.

Last week I went to school to pay for my fall tuition, and to get my school book.

I am taking a class called culinary math, on Monday mornings. Math is my worst subject, and I am not looking forward to taking it. But, it is a required class, so I figured I would get it out of the way as soon as possible.

I skimmed through the book a few times, and I will definitely be needing help with this class. There's a lot of fraction and decimal work, and this form of math truly confuses me.

One of my brothers is very good with numbers, so I will definitely be going to him a lot this coming semester.

So, we'll see how this class goes.

I Still Want to Be a Special Education Teacher

Even after all this time, I still want to be a special education teacher. I tried going for my special education degree in 2005, but I wasn't doing well in my classes, so I switched to a different degree.

Yet, I'm still feeling drawn to special education.

There are a few things stopping me from really going for it again. One is that I am an extremely shy person, and hate talking in front of a group of people.

I really want to get over that, though, as I hate being so shy. It prevents me from doing some things that I really want to do.

Another reason, is that I have a learning disability, and don't do well in classes without a lot of help.

My worst subject is math, so I am not looking forward to that aspect of schooling, both in going for my degree, and in teaching. But, I'll figure out how to work with it.

For awhile, I have been looking at ideas on Pinterest, for teaching stuff. There is a lot of great ideas on there, for teaching. It makes me even more determined to become a special education teacher.

Hopefully, if I do decide to try again, it will work out better than the last time. I don't want to fail again.

New Friendships

When I started volunteering in the library's children's area in May/June, there was a temporary summer reading program librarian who was hired for the summer.

Her name was Dianne (the same name as me, just a slight difference in the spelling), which I thought was kind of funny, but cool.

We instantly hit it off. Our personalities are pretty different. She is outgoing, and I am shy.

Now that summer is just about over, she is leaving on Thursday, as the summer reading program is over.

Last week, she had given me a card and some jewelry she made herself, after I had given her a note saying how much I truly appreciated getting to know and talk to her over the summer.

What's great about that is that she remembered my favorite color, purple, and incorporated it into the jewelry. I absolutely love them (a necklace and a pair of earrings), and was touched that she did that for me.

I am going to miss seeing her at the library, but we had exchanged phone numbers and email addresses, so we can stay in touch. Which I hope we can do for many, many years to come.

Dianne has helped me come out of my shell a little, which is something I wanted to do.

Seeing and talking with her over the summer has made volunteering much more enjoyable this year, and I hope to be able to see her in the future as well.

So, thank you Dianne, for all that you have done. You have no idea the impact you have made on me! You are the best, and I wish you all the best in the future!!