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Post No. |
Post Name
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Click here to reach this Post directly
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| 00 |
Begin at the Beginning |
https://stay-close.com/post-00-begin-at-the-beginning/ |
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| 1a |
About Wendy Sarkissian |
https://stay-close.com/post-1a-about-wendy-sarkissian/ |
| no 1b |
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| 1c |
Linked Table of Contents |
https://stay-close.com/post-1c-linked-table-of-contents/
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| no
2 or 3 |
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| 4
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Disclaimer |
https://stay-close.com/post-4-disclaimer
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| 5 |
Dedication |
https://stay-close.com/post-5-dedication/ |
| 6 |
Preface |
https://stay-close.com/post-6-preface/ |
| 7 |
Welcome to my reader |
https://stay-close.com/post-7-welcome-to-my-reader/ |
| 8 |
My incompetent handling of Ross’s tragic death |
https://stay-close.com/post-8-my-incompetent-handling-of-rosss-tragic-death/ |
| 9 |
Why we need the comfort, support and guidance of connection |
https://stay-close.com/post-9-why-we-need-comfort-support-guidance-of-connection/ |
| 10 |
Listening to Dr Alda |
https://stay-close.com/post-10-listening-to-dr-alda/ |
| 11 |
Pam reflects on mourning in an extended Greek family |
https://stay-close.com/post-11-pam-reflects-on-mourning-in-an-extended-greek-family/ |
| 12 |
Mourning practices in Tibetan Buddhism and Judaism |
https://stay-close.com/post-12-mourning-practices-in-tibetan-buddhism-and-judaism/ |
| 13 |
A social support system for people like me |
https://stay-close.com/post-13-a-social-support-system-for-people-like-me/ |
| 14 |
What this book is about |
https://stay-close.com/post-14-what-this-book-is-about/ |
| 15 |
What’s inside this book |
https://stay-close.com/post-15-whats-inside-this-book/ |
| 16 |
How to read this book |
https://stay-close.com/post-16-how-to-read-this-book/ |
| 16a |
Book 1: Baptism: Life with Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-16a-book-1-baptism-life-with-karl/ |
| 17 |
Poem: Baptism |
https://stay-close.com/post-17-baptism/ |
| |
CHAPTER 1: POSTS 18 TO 20 |
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| 18 |
Chapter 1: Losing Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-18-chapter-1-losing-karl/ |
| 19 |
In the Tweed Heads Memorial Hospital |
https://stay-close.com/post-19-in-the-tweed-heads-memorial-hospital/ |
| 20 |
A fortuitous meeting with a clairvoyant |
https://stay-close.com/post-20-a-fortuitous-meeting-with-a-clairvoyant/ |
| |
CHAPTER 2: POSTS 21 TO 36 |
|
| 21 |
Chapter 2: My life with Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-21-chapter-2-my-life-with-karl/ |
| 22 |
Meeting Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-22-meeting-karl/ |
| 23 |
The art of sexual ecstasy |
https://stay-close.com/post-23-the-art-of-sexual-ecstasy/ |
| 24 |
Our visit to the black swans |
https://stay-close.com/post-24-our-visit-to-the-black-swans/ |
| 25 |
Marrying at midlife |
https://stay-close.com/post-25-marrying-at-midlife/ |
| 26 |
Why don’t you try me tonight? |
https://stay-close.com/post-26-why-dont-you-try-me-tonight/ |
| 27 |
A near tragedy |
https://stay-close.com/post-27-a-near-tragedy/ |
| 28a |
Much in common and lessons in courage |
https://stay-close.com/post-28a-much-in-common-and-lessons-in-courage/ |
| 28b |
A death in the family |
https://stay-close.com/post-28b-a-death-in-the-family/ |
| 29 |
This strange, enchanted man |
https://stay-close.com/post-29-this-strange-enchanted-man/ |
| 30 |
Working together and learning to live together |
https://stay-close.com/post-30-working-together-and-learning-to-live-together/ |
| 31 |
A poetic Karl faces life’s challenges |
https://stay-close.com/post-31-a-poetic-karl-faces-lifes-challenges/ |
| 32 |
Drawn to Nimbin |
https://stay-close.com/post-32-drawn-to-nimbin/ |
| 33 |
Man who finishes house dies |
https://stay-close.com/post-33-man-who-finishes-house-dies/ |
| 34 |
Dreaming, building, loving and losing the gratitude house |
https://stay-close.com/post-34-dreaming-building-loving-and-losing-the-gratitude-house/ |
| 35 |
Glowing Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-35-chapter-2-glowing-karl/ |
| 36 |
A near miss and a delicious lunch |
https://stay-close.com/post-36-a-near-miss-and-a-delicious-lunch/ |
| |
CHAPTER 3: POSTS 37-44 |
|
| 37 |
Chapter 3: My seasons of Loss |
https://stay-close.com/post-37-chapter-3-my-seasons-of-loss/ |
| 38 |
Mourning after |
https://stay-close.com/post-38-mourning-after/ |
| 39 |
Marking time 1 |
https://stay-close.com/post-39-marking-time-1/ |
| 40 |
Leaving our life behind |
https://stay-close.com/post-40-leaving-our-life-behind/ |
| 41 |
Cozy, familiar West End |
https://stay-close.com/post-41-cozy-familiar-west-end/ |
| 42 |
On the cusp |
https://stay-close.com/post-42-on-the-cusp/ |
| 43 |
Flooded out |
https://stay-close.com/post-43-flooded-out/ |
| 44 |
After the flood |
https://stay-close.com/post-44-after-the-flood/ |
| |
BOOK 2: POSTS 44a TO 47a |
|
| 44a |
Book 2: I do have this |
https://stay-close.com/post-44a-book-2-i-do-have-this/ |
| 45 |
Brave new life/soft landing |
https://stay-close.com/post-45-brave-new-life-soft-landing/ |
| 46 |
Poem: I do have this, 17 May 2017 |
https://stay-close.com/post-46-poem-i-do-have-this-17-may-2017/ |
| 47a |
What is happening here? |
https://stay-close.com/post-47a-what-is-happening-here/ |
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CHAPTER 4: POST 47b |
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| 47b |
Chapter 4: The secrets of staying connected |
https://stay-close.com/post-47b-chapter-4-the-secrets-of-staying-connected/ |
| |
CHAPTER 5: POSTS 48-51 |
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| 48 |
Chapter 5: Is it wise to stay connected to a departed loved one? |
https://stay-close.com/post-48-chapter-5-is-it-wise-to-stay-connected-to-a-departed-loved-one/ |
| 49 |
Models of grief and grieving |
https://stay-close.com/post-49-models-of-grief-and-grieving/ |
| 50 |
My ritual contributions |
https://stay-close.com/post-50-my-ritual-contributions/ |
| 51 |
Small acts of love |
https://stay-close.com/post-51-small-acts-of-love/ |
| |
CHAPTER 6: POSTS 52-67 |
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| 52 |
Chapter 6: The Reconciled Self |
https://stay-close.com/post-52-chapter-6-the-reconciled-self/ |
| 53 |
The Reconciled Self and the four Gateways of Wisdom |
https://stay-close.com/post-53-the-reconciled-self-and-the-four-gateways-of-wisdom/ |
| 54 |
The emergence of the Reconciled Self |
https://stay-close.com/post-54-the-emergence-of-the-reconciled-self/ |
| 55 |
Staying connected: what to do and how to do it |
https://stay-close.com/post-55-staying-connected-what-to-do-and-how-to-do-it/ |
| 56 |
Connecting after your loved one has died |
https://stay-close.com/post-56-connecting-after-your-loved-one-has-died/ |
| 57 |
The daily conversations |
https://stay-close.com/post-57-the-daily-conversations/ |
| 58 |
How to approach the Gateways of Wisdom |
https://stay-close.com/post-58-how-to-approach-the-gateways-of-wisdom/ |
| 59 |
The Gateways of Wisdom |
https://stay-close.com/post-59-the-gateways-of-wisdom/ |
| 60 |
Contemplating the four Gateways of Wisdom |
https://stay-close.com/post-60-contemplating-the-four-gateways-of-wisdom/ |
| 61 |
Using our healing model to address a problem or issue |
https://stay-close.com/post-61-using-our-healing-model-to-address-a-problem-or-issue/ |
| 62 |
My failed 75th birthday celebration Part 1 |
https://stay-close.com/post-62-my-failed-75th-birthday-celebration-part-1/ |
| 63 |
My failed 75th birthday celebration Part 2 |
https://stay-close.com/post-63-my-failed-75th-birthday-celebration-part-2/ |
| 64 |
Shamed by a good friend Part 1 |
https://stay-close.com/post-64-shamed-by-a-good-friend-part-1/ |
| 65 |
Shamed by a good friend Part 2 |
https://stay-close.com/post-65-shamed-by-a-good-friend-part-2/ |
| 66 |
Shamed by a good friend Part 3 |
https://stay-close.com/post-66-shamed-by-a-good-friend-part-3/ |
| 67 |
Five principles for staying connected |
https://stay-close.com/post-67-five-principles-for-staying-connected/
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| |
CHAPTER 7: POSTS 68-91 |
|
| 68 |
Chapter 7: Acceptance |
https://stay-close.com/post-68-acceptance/ |
| 69 |
Is this really Karl speaking? |
https://stay-close.com/post-69-was-this-really-karl-speaking/ |
| 70 |
Asking Karl to help me accept my new reality |
https://stay-close.com/post-70-asking-karl-to-help-me-accept-my-new-reality/ |
| 71 |
Karl’s first big miracle: when time stood still |
https://stay-close.com/post-71-karls-first-big-miracle-when-time-stood-still/ |
| 72 |
Accepting so many losses |
https://stay-close.com/post-72-accepting-so-many-losses/ |
| 73 |
A journey with no destination |
https://stay-close.com/post-73-a-journey-with-no-destination/ |
| 74 |
To lose being cozy with you |
https://stay-close.com/post-74-to-lose-being-cosy-with-you/ |
| 75 |
It’s only a house: accepting my housing situation |
https://stay-close.com/post-75-its-only-a-house-accepting-my-housing-situation/ |
| 76 |
Visualizing a successful house sale |
https://stay-close.com/post-76-visualizing-a-successful-house-sale/ |
| 77 |
Accepting and reframing our lives together |
https://stay-close.com/post-77-reframing-and-accepting-our-life-together/ |
| 78 |
One loving soul |
https://stay-close.com/post-78-one-loving-soul/ |
| 79 |
Praise to Karl, the philosopher |
https://stay-close.com/post-79-praise-to-karl-the-philosopher/ |
| 80 |
For my lawyers, it’s all about the money |
https://stay-close.com/post-80-for-my-lawyers-its-only-about-the-money/ |
| 81 |
Aligned intentions |
https://stay-close.com/post-81-aligned-intentions/ |
| 82 |
Our wedding anniversary lunch |
https://stay-close.com/post-82-our-wedding-anniversary-lunch/ |
| 83 |
Crossing over |
https://stay-close.com/post-83-crossing-over/ |
| 84 |
Flooded out and homeless |
https://stay-close.com/post-84-flooded-out-and-homeless/ |
| 85 |
Entitled to miracles |
https://stay-close.com/post-85-entitled-to-miracles/ |
| 86 |
The gift of earthly life |
https://stay-close.com/post-86-the-gift-of-earthly-life/ |
| 87 |
Courage…and a reverse empty chair? |
https://stay-close.com/post-87-courage-and-a-reverse-empty-chair/ |
| 88 |
Remembering our intimate rituals |
https://stay-close.com/post-88-remembering-our-intimate-rituals/ |
| 89 |
Teamwork and a soft landing |
https://stay-close.com/post-89-teamwork-and-a-soft-landing/ |
| 90 |
Acceptance: a reflective pause on pathway to the Reconciled Self |
https://stay-close.com/post-90-acceptance-a-reflective-pause-on-the-pathway-to-the-reconciled-self/ |
| 91 |
Acceptance: actually doing |
https://stay-close.com/post-91-acceptance-actually-doing/ |
| |
CHAPTER 8: POSTS 92-112 |
|
| 92 |
Chapter 8: Gratitude |
https://stay-close.com/post-92-chapter-8-gratitude/ |
| 93 |
In the before time: first poem for Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-93-in-the-before-time-first-poem-for-karl/ |
| 94 |
Dr Vanda’s compassionate advice |
https://stay-close.com/post-94-dr-vandas-compassionate-advicel/ |
| 95 |
High lonesome |
https://stay-close.com/post-95-high-lonesome/ |
| 96 |
Heather’s response to my desperate email |
https://stay-close.com/post-96-heathers-response-to-my-desperate-email/ |
| 97 |
How to accept such a communication with gratitude |
https://stay-close.com/post-97-how-to-accept-such-a-communication-with-gratitude/ |
| 98 |
Reflecting on Heather’s email |
https://stay-close.com/post-98-reflecting-on-heathers-email/ |
| 99 |
The many dimensions of gratitude |
https://stay-close.com/post-99-the-many-dimensions-of-gratitude/ |
| 100 |
The “flow” |
https://stay-close.com/post-100-the-flow/ |
| 101 |
An example of gratitude: reframing Heather’s hurtful email |
https://stay-close.com/post-101-an-example-of-gratitude-reframing-heathers-hurtful-email/ |
| 102 |
Reframing: Rose Gardner’s example |
https://stay-close.com/post-102-reframing-rose-gardeners-example/ |
| 103 |
Karl’s simple expressions of gratitude |
https://stay-close.com/post-103-karls-simple-expressions-of-gratitude/ |
| 104 |
Karl’s blessed life |
https://stay-close.com/post-104-blessed-life/ |
| 105 |
A grateful Karl in heaven |
https://stay-close.com/post-105-a-grateful-karl-in-heaven/ |
| 106 |
Reframing failure as gratitude…and solace in small blessings |
https://stay-close.com/post-106-reframing-failure-as-gratitude-and-solace-in-small-blessings/ |
| 107 |
Dwelling in gratitude |
https://stay-close.com/post-107-dwelling-in-gratitude/ |
| 108 |
Believing in marigolds |
https://stay-close.com/post-108-believing-in-marigolds/ |
| 109 |
Reflections on our relationship … and celebrations |
https://stay-close.com/post-109-reflections-on-our-relationship-and-celebrations/ |
| 110 |
A new beginning |
https://stay-close.com/post-110-a-new-beginning/ |
| 111 |
A reflective pause on the pathway to the Reconciled Self |
https://stay-close.com/post-111-a-reflective-pause-on-the-pathway-to-the-reconciled-self/ |
| 112 |
Gratitude: Actually doing |
https://stay-close.com/post-112-gratitude-actually-doing/ |
| |
CHAPTER 9: POSTS 113-129 |
|
| 113 |
Chapter 9: Forgiveness |
https://stay-close.com/post-113-chapter-9-forgiveness/ |
| 114 |
Some lessons in forgiveness |
https://stay-close.com/post-114-some-lessons-in-forgiveness/ |
| 115 |
My initial feelings are not of forgiveness |
https://stay-close.com/post-115-my-initial-feelings-are-not-of-forgiveness/ |
| 116 |
Apologies and forgiveness |
https://stay-close.com/post-116-apologies-and-forgiveness/ |
| 117 |
Appreciation and lack of appreciation |
https://stay-close.com/post-117-appreciation-and-lack-of-appreciation/ |
| 118 |
Feeling beloved and opening up |
https://stay-close.com/post-118-feeling-beloved-and-opening-up/ |
| 119 |
A paradigm shift and self-acceptance |
https://stay-close.com/post-119-a-paradigm-shift-and-self-acceptance/ |
| 120 |
Is there still more to forgive? |
https://stay-close.com/post-120-is-there-still-more-to-forgive/ |
| 121 |
Matchmaker Karl on disrespect for men |
https://stay-close.com/post-121-matchmaker-karl-on-disrespect-for-men/ |
| 122 |
I am forced to reframe Karl’s laziness |
https://stay-close.com/post-122-i-am-forced-to-reframe-karls-laziness/ |
| 123 |
Lessons of a conscientious mourner |
https://stay-close.com/post-123-lessons-of-a-conscientious-mourner/ |
| 124 |
Reconceptualizing Karl with eyes and heart wide open |
https://stay-close.com/post-124-reconceptualizing-karl-with-eyes-and-heart-wide-open/ |
| 125 |
Not blaming and keeping the door open |
https://stay-close.com/post-125-not-blaming-and-keeping-the-door-open/ |
| 126 |
The gift of attentive loving |
https://stay-close.com/post-126-the-gift-of-attentive-loving/ |
| 127 |
Forgiving others as our communication comes to a close |
https://stay-close.com/post-127-forgiving-others-as-our-communication-draws-to-a-close/ |
| 128 |
At the Forgiveness Gateway: a reflective pause on the pathway to the Reconciled Self |
https://stay-close.com/post-128-at-the-forgiveness-gateway-a-reflective-pause/ |
| 129 |
Actually doing: some ways of taking action at the Forgiveness Gateway |
https://stay-close.com/post-129-actually-doing-some-ways-of-taking-action-at-the-forgiveness-gateway/
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| |
CHAPTER 10: POSTS 130-156 |
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| 130 |
Chapter 10: Engagement: the sacred work of sorrow |
https://stay-close.com/post-130-chapter-10-engagement-the-sacred-work-of-sorrow/ |
| 131 |
Some origins of Karl’s activism |
https://stay-close.com/post-131-some-origins-of-karls-activism/ |
| 132 |
The benefits of self-care in grief |
https://stay-close.com/post-132-the-benefits-of-self-care-in-grief/ |
| 133 |
Why we should take our grief out and about |
https://stay-close.com/post-133-why-should-we-take-our-grief-out-and-about/ |
| 134 |
Expressive writing |
https://stay-close.com/post-134-expressive-writing/ |
| 135 |
Ten principles for keeping a journal of forgiveness |
https://stay-close.com/post-135-ten-principles-for-keeping-a-journal-of-forgiveness/ |
| 136 |
Co-destiny and the Phoenix phenomenon |
https://stay-close.com/post-136-co-destiny-and-the-phoenix-phenomenon/ |
| 137 |
Spiritual alchemy and sacred activism |
https://stay-close.com/post-137-spiritual-alchemy-and-sacred-activism/ |
| 138 |
Examples of survivor missions in road safety activism |
https://stay-close.com/post-138-examples-of-survivor-missions-in-road-safety-activism/ |
| 139a |
You call that a weld! |
https://stay-close.com/post-139a-you-call-that-a-weld/ |
| 139b |
Planning consultants and activists together |
https://stay-close.com/post-139b-planning-consultants-and-activists-together/ |
| 140 |
My re-entry into activism |
https://stay-close.com/post-140-my-reentry-into-activism/ |
| 141 |
Road safety activism: how we did it |
https://stay-close.com/post-141-road-safety-activism-how-we-did-it/ |
| 142 |
Presenting my Victim Impact Statement |
https://stay-close.com/post-142-presenting-my-victim-impact-statement/ |
| 143 |
What really happened at Tweed Shire Council? |
https://stay-close.com/post-143-what-really-happened-with-tweed-shire-council/ |
| 144 |
The first action of our survivor mission |
https://stay-close.com/post-144-the-first-action-of-our-survivor-mission/ |
| 145 |
Our road safety activism draws to a close |
https://stay-close.com/post-145-our-road-safety-activism-draws-to-a-close/ |
| 146 |
Bless this Road |
https://stay-close.com/post-146-bless-this-road/ |
| 147 |
Bless this Road Part 1 |
https://stay-close.com/post-147-bless-this-road-part-1-road-safety-workshop/ |
| 148 |
Bless this Road Part 2 |
https://stay-close.com/post-148-part-2-matildas-rainbow-lunch/ |
| 149 |
Bless our singer, Luke Vassella |
https://stay-close.com/post-149-bless-our-singer-luke-vassella/ |
| 150 |
Bless this Road Part 3 |
https://stay-close.com/post-150-bless-this-road-part-3-declaration-of-the-matilda-way-gift-giving-and-appreciations/ |
| 151 |
Reflecting on Bless this Road |
https://stay-close.com/post-151-reflecting-on-bless-this-road/ |
| 152 |
Our activism in Karl’s name to promote road safety |
https://stay-close.com/post-152-our-activism-in-karls-name-to-promote-road-safety/ |
| 153 |
Lessons from our road safety activism |
https://stay-close.com/post-153-lessons-from-our-road-safety-activism/ |
| 154 |
Drinking the tears of the Earth |
https://stay-close.com/post-154-drinking-the-tears-of-the-earth/ |
| 155 |
Engagement: a reflective pause on the pathway to the reconciled self |
https://stay-close.com/post-155-engagement-a-reflective-pause-on-the-pathway-to-the-reconciled-self/ |
| 156 |
Actually doing it: some ways of taking action |
|
| |
CHAPTER 11: POSTS 157-160 |
|
| 157 |
Chapter 11: Conclusions and letting go of my old life |
https://stay-close.com/post-157-chapter-11-conclusions-letting-go-of-my-old-life/ |
| 158 |
Reflections on the healing path |
https://stay-close.com/post-158-reflections-on-the-healing-path/ |
| 159 |
Cutting the cords and letting go of my old life |
https://stay-close.com/post-159-cutting-the-cords-and-letting-go-of-my-old-life/ |
| 160 |
A huge lesson and final correspondence with Karl |
https://stay-close.com/post-160-a-huge-lesson-and-final-correspondence-with-karl/ |
| |
|
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| 161 |
Epilogue |
https://stay-close.com/post-161-epilogue/ |
| 162 |
Appreciations |
https://stay-close.com/post-162-appreciations/ |
| |
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Start at the Beginning of the Story |
https://stay-close-blog-net/start-at-the-beginning-of-the-story/ |
