Grief speaks. Love Answers. Grief changes us, but love never leaves us.

Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss is a deeply personal collection of poems written after the loss of my stepdaughter, Kathy, to suicide. Each poem was born from love, heartbreak, remembrance, and the hope that even in our darkest moments, healing is possible.

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, I hope that these words remind you that you are not alone and your love for them never ends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 5 Stars on Amazon

Every purchase supports In Her Name, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and preventing suicide.

Taking care of yourself means caring for your mind as well as your body. Give yourself permission to slow down, rest, and prioritize your mental well-being. You deserve the same care and compassion that you so often give to others.

Here are 5 ways to care for your mental health:

1. Stay connected. Spend time with people who make you feel supported and heard.

2. Move your body. Go for a walk, exercise, stretch, or do any physical activity that lifts your mood.

3. Practice mindfulness. Take a few deep breaths, journal, pray, meditate, or try a grounding exercise to help calm your mind.

4. Prioritize rest. Quality sleep and taking breaks are essential for your emotional well-being.

5. Ask for help when you need it. Talk to someone you trust or reach out to a mental health professional. You don't have to face life's challenges alone.

Suicide prevention starts with all of us. Every one of us has the power to make a difference. Learn the warning signs, lead with compassion, and create a safe space where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health without fear of judgment. A simple conversation, a listening ear, or a kind word could be the reason someone reaches out for help instead of suffering in silence.

“The Weight of Pretending” is a poem from my book, Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. The following is part of the poem.

They say with time, the pain will fade,
But some deep scars are forever made.
You lose a child, the heart wouldn’t mend,
You always break and just pretend.

You cannot change what happened yesterday, but you can choose to give yourself grace today. Carrying guilt, regret, or pain doesn't mean you have to carry it forever. Healing begins when you allow yourself to ask for help and take one step forward at a time. Your mental health matters. If you're struggling, don't suffer in silence. Reach out to someone you trust, talk to a mental health professional, and let others walk alongside you.

Grief comes in waves. Some days, a memory brings a smile to your face. Other days, that same memory brings tears to your eyes. Grief is unpredictable. It doesn't follow a timeline, and it doesn't mean you're moving backward. It simply reflects the depth of your love for someone who is deeply missed. Give yourself grace through every wave. Smile when the beautiful memories find you, cry when your heart needs to, and remember that love never truly leaves us; it lives on in our memories, our hearts, and the moments we carry forward. Healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means learning to carry both the love and the loss, one day at a time.

Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Behind this statistic are fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who may be struggling in silence. Too many men feel pressured to hide their emotions because they fear being judged or seen as weak. It's time to break that stigma. Let the men in your life know it's okay to talk about stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and emotional pain. Listen without judgment, check in regularly, and remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Be gentle with yourself. Some days are harder than others, and that's okay. You don't have to have everything figured out today. Give yourself permission to slow down, rest, and take life one moment at a time. Your mental health matters. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer someone you love. Healing isn't always a straight path, and every small step forward is still progress.

There are moments when you feel overwhelmed, and it may be difficult to see a way forward. Please remember: you matter, your life has value, and your story is still being written. You do not have to face your struggles alone. Reach out to someone you trust, talk to a loved one, or connect with a mental health professional. Asking for help is a sign of courage.

Pretending you're okay when you're struggling is exhausting….you don't have to carry that weight alone.

It's okay to ask for help. Reach out to someone you trust, whether it's a loved one, a friend, or a mental health professional. Speaking up is a sign of courage, not weakness.

“Still Searching” is a poem from my book, Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. The following is part of the poem.

I still look for you in the morning light,
In quiet rooms, in stars at night.
Though my mind whispers you’re not there,
My heart keeps searching everywhere.

My heart ~ it aches, it pulls, it yearns,
For what is gone, but still returns,
In memories that gently sting,
In silence, where your laughter rings.

You can get your copy of Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss anywhere books are sold. Link in bio for Amazon.

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstances. Sometimes the people who seem the happiest are carrying the heaviest burdens. Many struggle in silence because they are afraid of being judged, feel ashamed to ask for help, or don't know where to turn. Take a moment today to check in on someone you care about. A simple conversation, a kind word, or letting someone know you're there to listen can make a meaningful difference. You don't have to have all the answers…just being present can remind someone they are not alone.

Suicide affects more people than many of us realize. According to the CDC, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among both youth and adults in the United States. For every person who dies by suicide, many more think about suicide, make a plan, or attempt it. About half of the people who die by suicide have a known diagnosed mental health condition. At the same time, many mental health conditions go undiagnosed, meaning someone may be struggling without ever receiving the support they need.

These facts remind us why mental health awareness matters. Learn the warning signs, check in on your loved ones, listen without judgment, and encourage those who are struggling to seek help. Together, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and create communities where people feel safe asking for help and support.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise.
When anxiety, panic, or overwhelming emotions take over, grounding techniques can help bring your attention back to the present moment. One of the simplest and most effective is the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise.
✨ 5 things you can see
🤲 4 things you can touch
👂 3 things you can hear
👃 2 things you can smell
👅 1 thing you can taste
As you move through each step, take slow, gentle breaths. This exercise helps shift your focus away from racing thoughts and back to your surroundings, reminding your mind and body that you are here, in the present moment.
Grounding exercises are one tool that can help manage anxiety, but if you find yourself struggling often, reach out to a trusted loved one or a mental health professional for additional support.

The world is a better place with you in it; every single day. Even on the days when you can't see your worth, please remember that you are important, you are loved, and you make a difference in ways you may never fully realize. If you're struggling with your mental health, please don't carry it alone. Reach out to someone you trust, talk to a mental health professional, and allow others to support you. Asking for help is a courageous step toward healing.

Suicide prevention begins with awareness. Knowing the warning signs can help you recognize when someone may be in crisis…including yourself. The sooner someone receives support, the greater the opportunity for hope and healing.

10 warning signs to watch for:
• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
• Feeling hopeless or saying there's no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling like a burden to others.
• Feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain.
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Extreme mood swings or noticeable changes in behavior.
• Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly.
• Giving away belongings, saying goodbye, or making final arrangements.

“The Weight They Bear” is a poem from my book, Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. The following is part of the poem.

For grief has waves that crash unplanned,
It doesn’t heed the world’s demands.
One scent, one sound, one photo near,
Can bring back love and pain so clear.

So, don’t ask why they’re hurting still,
Or why tears come fast, or why time stands still.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or struggling with your mental health, please know that help is available. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Talk to someone you trust, connect with a mental health professional, or, if you are in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free, confidential support.

“In Our Own Ways” is a poem from my book, Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. The following is part of the poem.

No rule can tell us how to keep,
The ones we love, the ones we weep.
For each will choose their sacred art,
To hold them closely in the heart.

Some plant a tree, some write a song,
Some speak their name their whole life long.

The drawing depicts my family planting a tree for Kathy…including our pug, Ruffles. Four years later and the tree has grown tall and strong. ❤️‍🩹

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, leave you feeling exhausted, hopeless, or disconnected, and convince you that no one understands. But depression is a real and treatable mental health condition, and you do not have to face it alone. Talk to someone you trust, reach out to a mental health professional, and let others support you through this difficult time.

Our minds can sometimes tell us stories that aren't true, especially when we're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. A single negative thought can shape how we feel, and those feelings can influence how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Learning to pause, question unhelpful thoughts, and respond with self-compassion can support a healthier mindset. Instead of accepting every thought as truth, ask yourself, "Is this thought based on facts, or is it based on fear, self-doubt, or emotion?" That simple question can help create space for a more balanced perspective. Managing your thoughts doesn't mean ignoring difficult emotions. It means recognizing them, understanding them, and choosing not to let them define you. Over time, this practice can help build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and support a more positive outlook on life.

Your career is important, but your well-being is priceless. No deadline, promotion, paycheck, or title is worth sacrificing your peace of mind, your relationships, or your health.
If work is leaving you constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained, take a moment to check in with yourself. Set healthy boundaries, take breaks when you can, use your time off, and don't be afraid to ask for support. Taking care of your mental health isn't a weakness; it's one of the smartest investments you can make.
Remember, you are more than your job. Your value is not defined by your productivity. Rest is productive, too.

Even in the darkest nights, you can find your breath, your hope, and your light. The pain you feel today does not define your future, and it does not have to be the end of your story. If you are struggling, please don't face it alone. Reach out to someone you trust, share what you're feeling with your loved ones, and connect with a mental health professional. Asking for help is a courageous step toward healing. Stay for the people who love you. Stay for the moments you haven't experienced yet. Stay because your life matters, your story matters, and there is hope… even when you can't see it yet.

I realized that grief is no longer something I want to leave behind. It has become a part of who I am because it is woven together with my love for Kathy. In my grief, I find the pieces of Kathy that remain. I find her in the memories that make me smile, in the love that never fades, in the quiet moments when I think of her, and even in my tears. Grief tells me that she will always be a part of my life.

We often think of healing as letting go of our grief, but I have found that healing can also mean learning to carry it with love. My grief is not the opposite of love; it is a reflection of it. I carry my grief because I carry Kathy, and every memory, every tear, and every moment of love allows me to feel close to her once again. For everyone grieving someone they love, may you find comfort in the memories that remain and peace in knowing that love never truly leaves us.

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.

This month, let's remind the men in our lives that it's okay to feel their feelings. It's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to talk about stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and emotional pain. Most importantly, it's okay to ask for help.
For far too long, many men have been taught to hide their emotions and "be strong." But true strength isn't found in suffering in silence…..it's found in having the courage to speak up and seek support when it's needed.
Take a moment today to check in on the fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, friends, coworkers, and mentors in your life. Ask how they're really doing. Listen without judgment. Your willingness to start a conversation could make all the difference. We need to break the stigma and remind every man that he doesn't have to face life's challenges alone.

As we celebrate and bring awareness during Pride Month, let us also remember the power of kindness. A smile, a supportive word, a listening ear, or simply accepting someone for who they are can make a difference. You never know what battles someone may be facing behind closed doors, and sometimes a small act of kindness can change the course of someone's day or even save a life. We need communities where everyone feels seen, valued, supported, and safe. Choose compassion over judgment, understanding over assumptions, and love over hate.

If Love Could Have Saved You is a poem from my book Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. The following is one of the verses from the poem.

If love alone could guard your breath,
You would never walk the road to death.
If love could save, you would still be here,
Living forever … oh my sweet darling dear.

In every aspect of your life, you are enough. Not because of what you accomplish, how much you get done, or how perfectly you perform, but simply because of who you are. Take a moment today to reflect on the good in your life and practice gratitude. When we focus on the blessings, lessons, and moments of joy around us, we are less likely to become consumed by the negatives. Gratitude doesn't erase our struggles, but it can help shift our perspective and remind us of the good that still exists. And if today feels heavy, give yourself permission to rest and restore. The to-do list can wait until tomorrow. Your well-being matters more than checking off another task. Be gentle with yourself. Take a deep breath. Rest if you need to. And always remember that you are enough, exactly as you are.

No achievement, relationship, job, expectation, or obligation is worth sacrificing your well-being. Your mental health is not a luxury…it is a necessity. When something consistently leaves you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or emotionally drained, it may be time to reevaluate the price you're paying.

Protect your peace. Set healthy boundaries. Make time for rest. Ask for help when you need it. Taking care of your mental health is not selfish; it is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself.

You deserve a life that supports your well-being, not one that constantly depletes it.

Men's health includes mental health. He gets sad. He experiences anxiety. He struggles with depression. He feels overwhelmed, stressed, and emotionally exhausted at times too. Men are human, and their mental health deserves the same care and support as their physical health. It's time to move beyond the idea that men should simply "tough it out" or suffer in silence. Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help break the stigma and remind men that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Check in on the men in your life; it can make a life-saving difference.

A heartfelt thank you to an Amazon reader for their thoughtful review of my book, Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. Your kind words truly mean so much to me.

As I read through the collection of these poems, I’ve experienced a deep and heartfelt comfort in knowing I’m not alone on this journey of sadness and confusion, where every piece is me speaking to my beloved while we are learning to live with our loss. Dr. Boodoo has found through her own grief to articulate our innermost feelings by her beautiful writings for inner consolation of love expressed “In Her Name - Writing You Back To Me.”

This morning, while sitting at the kitchen table with Kathy’s dad, a song began playing in the background. He quietly said that Kathy would have loved the album. I walked closer to the TV to see the song title and artist. The song was “A Reason Why” by Ries, and it became the inspiration for today’s post.

Be the reason why … someone STAY; reminding someone they are loved can make more of a difference than you may ever realize. You never truly know what someone may be struggling with behind closed doors. Choose kindness, start conversations, and let people know they are not alone and that their life matters because suicide prevention begins with all of us.

Exercise for your mental health. Movement can be a powerful tool when you’re struggling. Exercise helps release endorphins, which can improve your mood, reduce stress, and support your overall mental well-being. Find something you enjoy doing and just do it. Even small steps, like going for a walk, stretching, or spending time outdoors, can help create a more positive mindset and support those dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Most importantly, remember that you do not have to struggle alone. Reach out to your loved ones, talk to a mental health professional, and allow yourself to receive support.

It’s okay not to be okay. Some days are heavier than others, and struggling does not make you weak…it makes you human. Give yourself grace on the difficult days. Rest when you need to, talk to someone you trust, and remember that you do not have to carry everything alone.

My grief was loud and left me numb this week. I was wishing on every star for something that can never be. Yet, somehow, my heart kept asking for the same wish over and over again…💔 For those who understand this kind of loss. I hope you find comfort in the love that still remains, and in the quiet moments that remind you of your loved one.

According to the CDC, men are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women. Too many men suffer in silence because they feel pressured to “stay strong,” hide their emotions, or avoid asking for help. We can help reduce the male suicide rate by checking in regularly, normalizing mental health conversations, and sharing resources and support.

I hope you heal from the things you don’t talk about. Some battles are carried silently, hidden behind smiles and “I’m okay” responses. But your pain is valid, and you deserve support, healing, and peace. If you are struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, lean on your loved ones, and reach out to a mental health professional. You do not have to go through this alone. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors available 24/7 to listen and support you. Healing takes time, but help and hope are always within reach.

You can help stop suicide by learning the warning signs. Awareness matters because recognizing the signs early lets you take action before thoughts become overwhelming. Reach out to someone you trust. Talk to a loved one. Connect with a mental health professional. You don’t have to face it alone, and neither does anyone else. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen and help. Knowing the signs can save a life…maybe even your own.

My book, Grieving You, was written to help others navigate their grief. One of the most important things I learned through writing, researching, and creating it is that grief never truly leaves. It becomes a part of who you are. The empty spaces left behind by loss can’t be filled; instead, grief finds a way to settle into those spaces, shaping itself around every part of your being. And in that realization, I discovered something unexpected… in my grief, I see my Kathy. So I’ve learned to welcome it. It’s okay if it brings tears, sadness, or days when all I want to do is stay in bed. Because within those moments, I remember her, the sound of her voice, her little jokes, the quiet elegance of who she was. My hope is that when you read my book, you find those same moments, a way to remember, to feel close, and to hold your loved ones again within its pages. 💙 (her favorite color was blue)

Men feel sadness, depression, insecurity, and the weight of being misunderstood, yet too often, they are expected to stay silent. Many men struggle with their mental health in ways that go unseen, carrying emotions they’ve been taught to hide. It’s time to change that. Be present and listen without judgment. Create space for honesty and vulnerability. Your support can make a difference in helping the men in our lives feel safe enough to open up. Too many suffer in silence because of fear or shame.

The hardest part of living with a mental health condition is often the invisible expectation to function as if nothing is wrong. Many individuals are navigating deep internal struggles while still trying to meet daily responsibilities, social expectations, and professional demands.......often without understanding or support. This disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation, exhaustion, and a sense of being misunderstood. It’s important to remember that mental illness is real, valid, and deserving of compassion, not judgment.

Suicide is not the answer. Even when the pain feels overwhelming, you are not alone, and you do not have to face it by yourself. Please reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust, a loved one, a friend, or a mental health professional. Sharing what you’re going through can make a difference.

The Weight They Bear is a poem from my book Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss. To follow is the first verse from the poem. Click here to buy my book https://a.co/d/0dp0VdMZ If grief seems strange or hard to see, Consider this: you’ve been set free, From loss so deep, it scars the soul, And leaves a heart no longer whole.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness...it’s a sign of strength. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out to someone you trust, a loved one, a friend, or a mental health professional. You deserve support, understanding, and care. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen and help.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please know you are not alone. And more importantly, this world is better with you in it. What you bring to the people around you, your presence, your heart, your light, is irreplaceable. You are loved, and you are enough; STAY.

If you’ve been looking for a sign… this is it. Suicide is not the answer. The thoughts and feelings you’re carrying right now are heavy, but they are temporary. Please don’t face them alone. Reach out to someone you trust. Talk to a loved one. Connect with a mental health professional. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support. You are loved beyond measure; your presence and your life matter.

5 Steps to Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal Suicide prevention starts with knowing the signs and taking action. Here’s how you can help: 1. Ask. “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking directly does not increase risk—it opens the door to honest conversation. 2. Be There. Listen without judgment. Feeling heard can reduce isolation and suicidal thoughts. 3. Help Keep Them Safe. Ask if they have a plan and reduce access to anything they could use to harm themselves. 4. Help Them Connect. Encourage support from a trusted friend, family member, mental health professional, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the U.S.). 5. Follow Up. Stay in touch. Continued support and connection can save lives.

It’s heartbreaking that dedicated support for the LGBTQ+ community was removed today from the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, especially during moments of crisis. Please know you can still reach out to 988 and ask for help. Your identity is valid, your feelings matter, and your life is worth fighting for. You are not alone. Please reach out. ❤️

It’s heartbreaking that dedicated support for the LGBTQ+ community was removed today from the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, especially during moments of crisis. Please know you can still reach out to 988 and ask for help. Your identity is valid, your feelings matter, and your life is worth fighting for. You are not alone. Please reach out. ❤️

I took this photo of my Kathy many years ago, on a morning I will never forget. It was early, and Kathy, her dad, and I went to the beach to walk and have breakfast. The world felt quiet and still, as if the shoreline belonged only to the three of us. After we ate, Kathy wandered to the water's edge, and I captured this moment. Her silhouette stood softly against the ocean, and I remember thinking how small she looked… yet how her love felt bigger than the sea in front of her. I still hold that image close. And sometimes, I wonder…does she hear me when I call her name.

I took this photo of my Kathy many years ago, on a morning I will never forget. It was early, and Kathy, her dad, and I went to the beach to walk and have breakfast. The world felt quiet and still, as if the shoreline belonged only to the three of us. After we ate, Kathy wandered to the water's edge, and I captured this moment. Her silhouette stood softly against the ocean, and I remember thinking how small she looked… yet how her love felt bigger than the sea in front of her. I still hold that image close. And sometimes, I wonder…does she hear me when I call her name.

Every 11 minutes, someone loses their life to suicide; this is a heartbreaking reminder that this crisis is real, and it’s happening every day. But suicide is preventable. Checking on your loved ones, learning the warning signs, and creating space for honest conversations can save a life. You are not alone. Help is always available...call or text 988

This poem was born from the flowers I choose for Kathy each week...a sacred ritual, a quiet promise I keep. It’s my way of showing up for her, of loving her in the small, steady moments, and of always doing something for her. ❤️

Asking someone if they’re okay or if they’re thinking about suicide does not plant the idea in their heads.... it opens the door to honesty, relief, and connection. Many people who are struggling feel invisible and unheard, or afraid, or ashamed to ask for help. Your question could be the moment they finally feel safe enough to share their struggles. Start by checking in with your loved ones, creating a safe space for them to talk, listening without judgment, and reminding them that they are loved and not alone.

Depression doesn’t always look the way we expect. Many people suffer in silence, even while smiling on the outside. Learning the warning signs helps us show up sooner, listen better, and offer support when it matters most.

This verse is from my poem “Still Searching” in Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss, page 35. My book is available anywhere books are sold. Here is the Amazon link. https://a.co/d/ess5HYP I still look for you in morning light, In quiet rooms, in stars at night. Though my mind whispers you’re not there, My heart keeps searching everywhere.

Grieving You: Poems of Love and Loss is available anywhere books are sold. The Amazon link is in the Bio. All proceeds from my book goes to the work we do at In Her Name. ♥️

The semicolon has become a powerful symbol in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. In writing, a semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence, but chose to continue instead. In life, it represents that same choice: to keep going, even when things feel unbearable. It’s a reminder that your story isn’t over, that there are more chapters ahead, and that hope still lives within you. Whether it’s inked on your skin, worn on your wrist, or shared online, the semicolon

Talking about suicide can save lives. It’s okay to ask the difficult questions. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not put the idea in their head; instead, it gives them a safe space to share what they’re going through. When we listen without judgment and show compassion, we remind others that they are not alone and that help is available.