by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Aug 30, 2023 | Grief, Loss, Relationships
Today was a hard day. My friend Bev Guidt passed away, in Richmond, Virginia. It was a total shock. I am still sitting here shaking my head wondering,”What in the world?!” Bev recently went into the hospital for surgery on her spine. Then she was released...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Aug 16, 2023 | Loss, Relationships, Writing
Writing about some things can cause you to lose everything or nearly everything. I’ve written a lot, and I’ve lost a lot. I’ve also gained so much more than I’ve lost. But the losses seem to stick in your mind more with anything. So we avoid...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Aug 1, 2023 | Business, Leadership, Ministry, Reflection, Relationships
Today is my birthday, and I’m in reflection mode. I’m a voracious learner…always have been. The thirst for learning and growing leads me into perpetual adventure, for good or bad. I can’t imagine life without learning. So, in no particular...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jul 26, 2023 | Caregiving, Family, Grief, Loss, Relationships
It’s been a year since I brought Gus home to live with me and to take care of him until he took his last breath. On Saturday I went into his room and did my usual brief pause, patted the bed, and slowly walked out, shutting the door. Exhaling, I wondered when I...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jun 28, 2023 | Relationships, Stress, Stress Management, Uncategorized
Like many people of my generation, I was raised in an Authoritarian household. I do not share this to bash anyone. I realize that for many of our parents, this was all they knew. Some may have chosen this style of parenting even if presented with other logical and...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jun 22, 2023 | Family, Loss, Ministry, Recovery, Relationships, Stress, Stress Management
“Cruel people offer pity when they no longer feel threatened. However, kind people offer compassion and understanding regardless.” Shannon L. Alder When my birth father, Gus, passed away in December, I thought to myself, “I just need space to grieve.” Everything had...