By Laura Petherbridge – “I’m happy with the way we have set up our will,” my husband, Steve, said as he got ready to leave for work. “I’m sure you are,” I quipped back. Immediately, both of...

By Laura Petherbridge – “My mom wants to have a new family picture taken for Christmas,” Tanya shared. “She updates the photo every few years and sends it with her Christmas cards.” “Everything was fine until she...

By Laura Petherbridge – In 1971 rocker Mick Jagger bellowed the familiar lyrics, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” You’ve got to give him credit; he’s attempting every way possible to find what he’s looking for. “I try,...

By Laura Petherbridge – A few years back many people were surprised to hear that Al Gore and His wife of 40 years had decided to get a divorce. People automatically assume that a couple married for...

By Laura Petherbridge – Judy’s hugs have changed recently. My friend no longer offers a brief squeeze, she now holds on tight, and whispers words of encouragement and affirmation in my ear. When we speak her face...

By Laura Petherbridge – “Is this how you felt when Colin and Erin were born?” I softly asked Steve, my husband. “Yes.” He replied. “And when the grandchildren begin to arrive it is one more reminder of...

The supermarket offered a plethora of choices, but my eye caught the brown package of cookies on the top shelf. The sight instantly triggered a warm memory into my Nana’s kitchen. Nana rarely purchased “store bought” anything,...

By Laura Petherbridge – October through December can be an excruciating time of year for those who have experienced a loss. In addition to the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, family trauma, job loss, a...

By Laura Petherbridge – Imagine someone you love has recently had open-heart surgery. Would you walk into his or her hospital room and give them a hearty punch in the chest? No, probably not. But that’s exactly...

By Laura Petherbridge – Angela knew she needed to forgive Leslie but she didn’t know how. After all, Leslie had betrayed their friendship by sharing conversations that were meant to stay private. It wasn’t the first time...