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© 2025, Stacy L. Maxwell In my last blog post, I shared about commemorating what would have been my son Marshall’s 32nd birthday last Saturday. The day was a poignant reflection, a weaving together of memories, much like the intricate tapestry of grief itself. Before dinner that evening, I recounted the story of Marshall’s birth – a premature arrival, a seven-day vigil in the hospital waiting…

© 2024, Stacy L. Maxwell Wild Geese | Mary Oliver You do not have to be good.You do not have to walk on your kneesfor a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.You only have to let the soft animal of your bodylove what it loves.Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.Meanwhile the world goes on.Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rainare moving across the…

© 2025, Author (Thelma), Photograph by Stacy L. Maxwell Growing up, I perceived life as a choice between two paths: being a “good girl” or a “bad girl.” In my Ukrainian-American culture, the latter wasn’t considered an option. This wasn’t necessarily a negative thing, as fulfilling my responsibilities came naturally. However, as someone with an innate rebellious streak, conforming to the norm…

So, reflecting on 2024, another one of my “single stars” appeared on December 22nd. I parked Marshall’s car (I call it “MC”), wearing Marshall’s thick socks from his Cub Scout days to keep my feet warm in the cold weather, and went inside Marshall’s department store to purchase last-minute Christmas gifts. Sauntering toward the last few aisles, I heard a female voice on the intercom. “Attention,…

Tomorrow is the start of a new day, a new year, and a chance to reflect on the good in our lives. As I’ve mentioned, since January 4th of last year, the NOOM community (a lifestyle app focused on weight loss and healthy habits) has revolutionized my life, leading to a 36-pound weight loss and a significant boost in my confidence. The quote I’m sharing, from Noom, feels especially relevant as we…

As Christmas Eve approaches, a sense of peace and joy that can permeate the thickest strata of grief fills the air. While the holiday season is often marked by gift-giving and festive cheer, I find myself grateful for a gift that transcends the material: the incredible community of bloggers with whom I’ve had the privilege to connect with. Throughout the year, you inspire me. Your words, your…

© 2024, Tree of Sorrows, Photograph by Stacy L. Maxwell Over the last few years, while Swedish Death Cleaning is often associated with preparing for one’s own passing, I’ve found it to be a powerful and meaningful tool for navigating grief and loss in the present. It certainly reminds me just how temporary everything is, including me, and I find a deep peace in accepting that I’m only here for a…

© 2024, Indian Well State Park, Shelton, CT, Photograph by Marshall D. Maxwell The frozen air whipped into the exposed parts of my face under my wool hat and scarf like glass shards. Passersby scurried into their vehicles, nodding incredulously at me as if I were a die-hard walker, undeterred by blizzard-like conditions, torrential rain, or other adverse weather. I’m not such a loyalist, but…

In the midst of my despair, I pondered a simple question that a friend of mine had brought up a while ago: "What was your face BEFORE you were born?"

WTF? Last month, around mid-November, as the five-year anniversary of my son’s passing approached, I was subjected to a cruel blow. The irony? The person responsible was a self-proclaimed “church-going” individual. This incident raises a broader question about the potential negative impact of organized religion, a system that sometimes prioritizes conformity over compassion, and how…

As Americans gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this upcoming Thursday, let us pause to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday. Beyond the traditional feast and family gatherings, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the community that surrounds us and the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our nation. This year, I’ve been particularly inspired by the article, “Making History…

The phone rang, its shrill tone cutting through the quiet evening. It was Brother Paul, his voice a low rumble, heavy with a sorrow I couldn’t quite place. “My SUV broke down again,” he sighed, the familiar refrain of a recurring mechanical failure. Yet, there was a weight to his words, a thousand-ton burden that hinted at something far more profound. As he began to speak, I realized that this…

A few weeks ago before calling it a night, I spent hours scrolling through his Facebook photos, reliving old memories. There was Greg, jamming with Alan, his face a mask of pure joy. There was Greg, smoking his favorite cigar. And there was Greg, just being Greg – playing keyboards, a master musician, and always true to himself.  I typically avoid FB, but I was in shock after hearing of Greg’s…

Marshall aspiring to be a body builder from a young age At an iconic New England restaurant, the cool night air was warmed by roaring outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces, along with a mix of nostalgia and celebration. The recent gathering I attended was a tribute for Phil, my dear friend Michelle’s, husband, a renowned ophthalmologist, who had touched countless lives with his brilliance and…

Cinderella Alex as a toddler I still can’t believe it. It’s one of those pinch-me moments. My little girl, Alexandra, turned thirty yesterday. THIRTY! It feels as if I were just holding her tiny, precious fingers and marveling at the giggling bundle of joy I was so proud to hold. From that moment on, I never lost my pride in watching her become the remarkable woman she is today and the joyful…

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and a story from the Fall 2024 Alcade alumni magazine, from the University of Texas, my alma mater, resonated with me. It’s the story of Jas Sethi, who turned his grief into a meaningful mission. After losing his sister, his only sibling, Simran, to suicide at the age of 19 in 2022, the 25-year-old lawyer has the ability to transform “tragedy…