Contributions by Carol Lane

As we begin to slowly emerge from quarantine, many of us may be experiencing a sense of renewal as we venture back into activities and routines.

Often, music can help us express our feelings much easier than through writing or talking.

Read what skills and strengths other survivors have discovered about themselves after their loss.

This past year, many of us have been left dreaming of vacations. Survivors share their favorite place that they went with their loved ones.

Hear from survivors on how they cope when feelings of grief overcome them, even after a long time has passed since the death of their loved one.

During this period of quarantine, some have found the additional time to develop new hobbies or skills or have worked hard to enhance old skills.

Many families share traditions of watching or attending sporting events together. Read about special sports memories survivors had with their loved ones.

Survivors share about the comfort they have received from peer mentors and how meaningful those relationships have been for them.

When friends or loved ones gather, often there is a sharing of food and conversation. Learn some of our survivors' loved ones favorite foods.

Thumbies, dog tags, quilts, shirts and bandannas are some of their loved ones' precious items survivors find comfort in wearing.

2020 has been a challenging year for so many in so many ways. Survivors look to 2021 with a fresh perspective, full of hope and seeking joy.

Treating yourself may be the farthest thing on your mind this season, but it is important to give yourself just a little pleasure, no matter how small.

Survivors share their creative ways they have developed holiday traditions to include their loved ones who have passed.

December is always a good time for reflection and a time to gather questions for Saturday Morning Messages in the new year. We want to hear from you!

Our loved ones special talents gives us a unique picture into who they were and provide loving memories too.

Survivors share books that have helped them either with their grief journey or during this time when they are spending more time at home.

During the pandemic, it has been hard to do the volunteer work that we normally do. This week responders shared ways they have still been able to give back.

When grief enters your life after the death of a loved one, your emotions seem overwhelming, but TAPS has many supportive resources to help.

Survivors know that their loved ones’ birthdays and angelversaries can be difficult, so plans are often made to help cope.

Survivors share occasions that bring pride into their lives when they think of their loved ones to help us create a mental picture of that special person.

When trauma comes into our lives, it throws our normal patterns into a tailspin. Survivors share strategies which help them when they are unable to sleep.

Survivors share photos and special memories of their loved one's items as well as why they are meaningful to them.

We stop looking for the stars when our loved ones pass. Through the help of friends, we come to a place where we can search for those stars again.

Survivors share the habits their loved ones had. Learn more about these special people.

As we begin to look ahead to the holiday season, we are faced with decisions about continuing holiday traditions or starting something new.

Survivors share how they have put these three concepts into action since the death of their loved one and how these simple acts have led to hope and healing.

What is a gift? Our loved ones were our first gift. In this week’s message, survivors have shared both kinds of presents.

Survivors share their feelings this week about continuing to do events or visit places that once brought pleasure to do with their loved one.

Sharing memories of our loved ones with others who understand brings joy to our hearts and makes TAPS such a special group.

Experiencing times of sadness due to grief can be like ocean waves arriving on the beach. Remember with TAPS you are never alone.

When words cannot express your feelings, sometimes displays of keepsakes say it best.

Sharing food that our loved ones liked is the topic for today’s Saturday Morning Message, because today is Culinarians’ Day.

Thinking of a book title and then writing a little bit about why that title was chosen gives the readers an idea of the lives these special people lived.

Flowers are a treat we can give each other especially when we are down and you can take them to others when they are in need.

Celebrate the 4th by virtually traveling to TAPS survivors' favorite places to visit.

Sometimes there are days that are just hard, but not just special occasions like an anniversary, birthday, holiday or angelversary.

Sometimes the things our loved ones say stick in our minds and bring back great memories. Read more about some of these memories.

Although it can come when you least expect it, our nation is under a great deal of stress and we all feel it.

Self-care has evolved over time, read some simple ways to accomplish it during this difficult time.

Connecting with other survivors and sharing stories of our loved ones is one of the best parts of TAPS.

If someone were to greet you saying 'Happy Memorial Day' how would you respond? Has your answer changed since your loss?

Participate online in the company of others through a variety of sessions this memorial day weekend at the Virtual National Seminar.

Survivors wrote this week about how they were encouraged and motivated by their childhood teachers.

From gardening to fun indoor crafts, survivors share what they are doing now that they have to spend time at home.

Love Lives on album goes on pre-order May 22. Read about the album and the meaningful songs shared by TAPS survivors.

For those of us who have pets, they offer much comfort when our lives have been turned upside down.

On National Pet Day, a holiday celebrating our loving animals and the joy they bring to our lives, survivors share stories and photos of their pets.

Read positive things to do to help with the feelings of isolation you may have from being away from your normal social routine.

April Fools’ Day is coming up! Read survivor stories about their loved ones’ sense of humor.

Survivors share favorite songs and how music can help us and enable us to tell others about our loved ones.

Learn ways to get more rest when your sleep is broken following the loss of a loved one.

Stress and anxiety are emotions felt by grieving people. Get ideas on what brings comfort when these emotions appear.

Often while grieving we care for others in our circle, but it is really important to take a bit of time each day to do something we enjoy.

When survivors go to the cemetery to spend time, they bring items that are meaningful to their loved one and themselves.

No matter which TAPS event you choose to attend, the support you will find is comforting, as you will read in the responses survivors share this week.

Did your loved one have a favorite hobby or collection that he or she found relaxing?

What is one dish you ate that brought you comfort in the early stages of your loss?

What is one of the funniest things your loved one did?

What do you think your loved one would say to you today?

Survivor's share their resolutions for hope and healing for the coming year.

Would you share a special item of your loved one that will help us get to know that person better?

Would you share a special item of your loved one that will help us get to know that person better?

Do you have a special quilt or blanket that makes you think of your fallen hero?

What words of comfort would you like to receive from someone who might not know what you need?

If you were going to create an ornament showing something important about your loved one, what would it be?

What was your loved one's favorite food for the Thanksgiving holiday?

What is a gift that your loved one left for you that you now pass along to others?

What is something you and your loved one enjoyed doing together that you still do now?

How do you mark holidays or your loved one's special days?

Get ideas about keeping, giving and storing your loved one’s possessions.

When you are in pain — physical or emotional — what is the kindest thing you can do for yourself?

This week, survivors shared their dreams and about their continued understanding of the connection with their loved ones through dreams.

Webinars from the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing are one of our many gifts to survivors and can be really helpful while dealing with grief.

Supporting families who have experienced the loss of a loved one can be very important. Survivors share meaningful gifts received in their grief.

Sharing special times with those we love can leave a lasting memory. Survivors share those memories in this week's message.

Sharing special times with those we love can leave a lasting memory. Survivors choose to attend various TAPS events for that reason.

What volunteer work have you done that has helped on your grief journey and how was it helpful to you?

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone approaching their first holiday season without their loved one?

Pets can be comforting. How does your pet help on your grief journey?

What helps you sleep when you find yourself restless at night?

Creativity helps with our healing and honors our loved ones. What do you do to express yourself creatively?

Is there a place you and your loved one went that is special just for the two of you?

What are you doing to honor your loved one’s service while learning to live a life without his/her physical presence?

What do you do to uplift your spirits when you find yourself feeling gloomy?

Do you have a personal object that really speaks to your heart?

Do you have a personal object that really speaks to your heart?

What is your favorite summer memory or vacation with your loved one?

What would you like to do for the 4th of July this year?

What are your gifts and how can you share them to ease someone’s pain?

Have you had difficulty going to a funeral or memorial service since the death of your loved one?

Have you had difficulty going to a funeral or memorial service since the death of your loved one?

What do you keep around that reminds you of your loved one?

Today we look we share responses from the TAPS archives about how survivors honor those who gave their lives in military service to our country.

What TAPS seminar or retreat have you attended and what did you like best about it?

What is a time or place that you feel close to your loved one?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the number or scope of rituals honoring your loved one?

Do you have a book you would like to share that has helped you in your grief?

What are you doing to honor your loved one?

Has a loved one come to you in a dream? How did it make you feel? What was remarkable about it?

Have your sleep patterns changed since your loss, and what strategies do you find helpful on sleepless nights?

What self-care strategies have you found beneficial?

How has a sudden change in your journey impacted the progress you have made with your healing?

Have you ever felt as though you had to put your own grief aside in order to conform to others' expectations of you at an event honoring your loved one?

Describe one thing that will tell us about your loved one. It can be a serious or a funny detail.

How is your life different because you have been able to connect with others through TAPS?

What is something you use as a tool to help you when grief gets tough?

How has your TAPS mentor made an impact on your life or those in your family?

What was something comforting someone did for you after the death of your loved one?

What do you do as a yearly memorial for your loved one?

What is the best thing about a TAPS seminar, retreat or other event?

Are there places you used to go that you now avoid after the death of your loved one?

Are there places you used to go that you now avoid after the death of your loved one?

What have you done recently or what do you plan to do to take care of yourself?

As we come to the beginning of 2019, treat yourself well. Brad Stetson shares some activities that might be a help to comfort yourself.

What was one gift your loved one gave to the family just by being themselves?

How do you let others close to you know you still love them while you are grieving?

If you could give your loved one an ornament today, what would the ornament symbolize?

What are your strategies for coping with the December holidays?

We are thankful for all the ways TAPS provides comfort and care to our TAPS family. Learn more about TAPS programs.

What was your loved one's favorite food for the Thanksgiving holiday? How was it prepared?

Has a loved one come to you in a dream? How did it make you feel? What was remarkable about it?

Has a loved one come to you in a dream? How did it make you feel? What was remarkable about it?

If you were to write a book honoring your loved one’s life, what would be the title and why?

What TAPS event, program or other experience has meant the most to you?

What is a holiday tradition that you enjoyed with your loved one?

What have you done lately to take care of yourself?

What do you do to celebrate your loved one’s birthday?

A God wink at TAPS is a moment when you feel your loved one close to you.

A God wink at TAPS is a moment when you feel your loved one close to you.

What are your plans for fall activities that will provide you the most comfort?

What sort of things have others done in order to turn their grief into action?

Have you saved certain things that belonged to your loved one that have become priceless to you?

Have you saved certain things that belonged to your loved one that have become priceless to you?

Has there been a book, or a line in a book, that has helped you on your grief journey?

When you are blindsided by a riptide of grief, how do you get yourself through these tough moments?

Have you watched movies that helped with your grief or inspired an aspect of healing in your grief?

"In the midst of grief, it is so important we take the time to care for ourselves."

Pictures of our loved ones can bring back happy memories. Survivors share some of their favorites.

This week survivors proudly share about great destinations in their hometowns to visit.

Survivors share challenges conquered and personal growth experienced after losing a loved one.

Patriotism and service to country are some of the many reasons our loved ones joined the military.

Friends and family sharing memories of our loved ones can help pierce the grief fog early in a loss.

Survivors share strategies to the way we can keep ourselves healthy and practice self-care.

Survivors share favorite recipes of their loved ones.

Survivors share how they honor and remember their loved ones on memorial day.

Survivors share what they did on Mother’s Day to honor themselves and those who served as mothers as they grew up.

Pets can be just the comfort we need in those trying times. They remind us to take care of ourselves since they need to eat and they help organize us.

Survivors offer strategies about coping with family members and friends who may have a different way of grieving or have opinions that hurt you deeply.

Survivors introduce their loved one by sharing a favorite memory.

Many survivors find that gardening can help with the healing process after the death of a loved one.

Losing a loved one changes how you comfort and support friends after the death of their loved one.

Staying busy with activities you enjoy can help you through the dark times of grief.

This week survivors share a special memory of their loved one with us.

Survivors share what helps to lift their spirits when grieving the loss of their loved one.

Certain items, such as a favorite blanket or home videos, can be a source of comfort after the death of a loved one.

The folded flag that many receive after the death of a loved one can have significant meaning in our grief journey.

Grief drastically changes our lives. But not all change that comes out of the loss of a loved is negative.

Survivors share how they honor and remember their loved ones on angelversaries.

The comments or behavior of others who learn you've suffered the loss of a loved one can stick out in your mind.

The TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar in Washington, D.C., offers survivors from across the country a chance to come together and connect.

When you're faced with the loss of more than one family member or friend, you can feel weighed down by grief.

When a loved one dies, we go through many shifts — including spiritually — as our life changes direction.

Finding ways to honor your loved one after their death can help you find healing in your grief.

Certain scents, songs, food and sights can trigger special memories of our fallen heroes.

The holidays can be especially stressful when you're grieving, but the New Year is the perfect time to focus on self-care.

Think about treating yourself post-holiday season, explore activities that might be a help to comfort yourself.

After the loss of a loved one, many find it hard to observe holidays. Read articles that discuss reaching for the light through the darkness at this time of year.

Survivors share how they manage grief after experiencing the death of multiple loved ones.

It is important to practice self-care, especially during the holidays, when you're grieving the loss of a loved one.

Survivors share tips for talking to their employers about grief after the loss of a loved one.

This week survivors shared the many different ways they honor their loved ones.

We can find comfort in our grief when we prepare the foods that have been a tradition in our families.

For those dealing with grief, the winter holidays can add stress to an already difficult time, but there are many ways to cope.

TAPS survivors share how TAPS has made a difference in their grief journey.

Connecting to others who are grieving the loss of a fallen hero through TAPS can make the grief journey a little easier.

Survivors share what their favorite activities are when they attend TAPS events.

Sharing memories of our loved ones can be healing and also introduces our loved ones to readers of the Saturday Morning Message.

After the initial pain of grief has lessened, many find that undertaking a new hobby or pastime can offer comfort.

Survivors offer advice and encouraging words to fellow survivors who are new to TAPS.

The warmth of a friendship can be so healing and comforting during the grief journey.

Your view of success may change after the loss of your loved one.

Is it easier to stick to a routine or change the daily tasks you do after the death of a loved one?

Where would you travel if you could choose one place and money were not a problem?

Survivors share what ideas for how to store your loved one's paperwork.

TAPS survivors share how they cope with the stress that comes with grief.

Sharing special memories about your loved one can be helpful for you, and it also allows others to get to know your cherished person.

Collecting items that are meaningful to you or your loved one can be helpful in the healing process.

Grief can be isolating and lonely. But activities can help with your grief and create ways to show others that it's OK to share memories of your loved one.

Survivors share what they enjoy most about attending TAPS Seminars.

Survivors share special objects they carry with them that is meaningful and helps when times are rough.

Survivors share their favorite memories from the Fourth of July.

Online tools can be a helpful resource as we grieve the loss of our loved ones.

Volunteering can be a healing process while also giving back to others.

TAPS survivors participated in a variety of Memorial Day events across the weekend to honor their fallen heroes.

Survivors honored their loved ones in unique and personal ways on Memorial Day.

On Memorial Day, military survivors can be found at many different events that honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

TAPS Magazine articles, “Boxes in the Attic” and “Boxes in the Attic: Part Two,” give ideas about how we care for our loved one’s belongings.

When I was young, many people would talk about who they were named after and why. This has always been one of my favorite conversations.

I live by a relatively large river. It’s one place I like to go to think about questions like the change of ideas after the death of a loved one.

Sharing your space with a pet can be very rewarding. Just having your pet cuddle up next to you when you are feeling down can be uplifting.

This week survivors share ideas in response to the question about what survivors do on special days like birthdays and angelversaries.

Two articles from the TAPS Magazine archives give some good advice on how to give your body needed nutrients when you're experiencing grief.

The photos today show how much each of these outstanding young people were loved and how much they are missed

Just hold my hand and let me cry, and say, 'My friend, I care.' Excerpt form "Don’t Tell Me That You Understand," written by Joanetta Hendel

This week, survivors share how they handle the emotional events of their lives. Finding others who had gone through the same experience can be uplifting.

The best part of attending a TAPS Seminar is seeing the smiles on these survivors’ faces as they hug each other.

Our life is forever changed after the death of a loved one. Survivors discuss doing things that honor our loved ones as our purpose in life changes.

Sleep can be difficult for many survivors after the death of a loved one. Today we will look at a variety of helpful ideas from survivors.

Snowflakes change ordinary places with their unusual beauty. Thanks to the survivors who sent in those special places they remember this week.

In today's message, survivors share how loved one's friends have honored their fallen comrades.

The TAPS Peer Mentor program is a gift for both the mentors and the survivors who become connected.

This week survivors sent their heartwarming responses about how pets have helped them on their individual grief journeys.

For many, winter is a time of contemplation about what we have accomplished in the past year and where we are going.

I know that my son would want me to live my life to the fullest and do what I love. I have started competing in agility with our dog, Sam!

Before making resolutions that involve revising our present pattern of behavior or adding something to it, we need to ask if our lives will benefit from it.

"Thanks for all your smiles and laughter for those 26 years, Marcus!”

When a loved one dies, it can be hard to face the upcoming time and keep the same traditions.

These roses are still blooming despite freezing temperatures. Isn’t that what we survivors are doing? We are blooming even through severe trauma..

As 2016 comes to a close, it is time for many of us to look at where we are now on our grief journey and what has helped us.

Because it is Thanksgiving weekend, this message features a list of resources TAPS provides that I am thankful for as a survivor.

This week we explore strategies on how to turn the anger that comes with grief into more of a focus on the pride for our loved one’s service.

Everyone walks a path on their own, but we can share some emotions together. That is what makes us a family.

As you read answers from survivors, living life after the loss of a loved one is not easy, but we all take up the challenge in different ways.

Today survivors share helpful tips to get through this season as well as other ideas from TAPS on getting through the holidays while you are grieving.

This week, there were many replies to the question about moving or staying in the place you shared with your loved one and how you handle going to places that were special if you decide to stay.

Two survivors talk about their experiences at Seminars and one survivor describes her experience at Retreats.

Survivors remember what was supportive and helpful when they were first grieving as well as what they do now when a death happens in their network of family or friends.

The seasonal changes of the Earth are similar to the emotions survivors feel after the death of a loved one. We change as we travel through our personal journey.

The American flag next to a banner was designed by Anne, mother of Michael, placed in a mall near her home to remind people of Memorial Day’s meaning.

Military survivors can find pets provide comfort during their time of grieving and as they try to adjust to a life of loss.

Mothers' Day for those who've lost both a child and a mother is a unique experience.

Lack of concentration is a normal response to a grieving family member and military survivors. Read this article for suggestions on coping strategies.

I appreciate the soothing nature of the flickering light of candles and their gentle glow during the shorter days of the holiday season.

Gold Star Mother’s Day is recognized the last Sunday of the month of September. Each year I wear my pin to church as a remembrance of my son.

When we put forth emotional or physical energy, we need to take time for ourselves to relax and re-energize.

Wherever you chose to spend this Memorial Day, you are in the right place and the thoughts of your TAPS family are with you.

Lighthouses have special meaning for me. They light the way for those encountering difficulties while traveling.

a grandparent's grief being unique as they suffer for both their grandchild as well as their child.

Coming to a TAPS event alone can make us wonder how "we will fit in, how we will be treated, and what the event will be like".

When tragedy happens and deep thought is needed, I go to my favorite places, the beach or the garden. These spots help quiet my mind.

This beautiful mountain scene is one chosen while I listened to the uplifting songs which survivors sent in answer to last week's question.

Honoring your loved one can be on a traditional holiday or one that is special just to your family and friends.

Grief episodes or meltdowns are times that are hard to control. Sometimes they arrive when you are at places or at times when you don't expect them.

The discussion for this week focuses on a time or event when something happened and you felt your loved one close.

Survivor stories are full of courage and the emotions they have as they serve others while celebrating the lives of their loved ones.

Inside the heart locket is my son, Bryon's, boot camp picture. When I go to TAPS or military events, I wear other pins as well. However, the heart is always with me.

There were so many good ideas that came in about the wearing and placement of jewelry in the home that there will be two weeks on this topic.

Everyone's idea of a vacation is different. Mine involves either visiting relatives or going to the ocean beach.

Survivors talk about honoring loved ones by helping others or dedicating work to the communities that supported their families in the time of need.

Finding ways to help others who are grieving can be easier when you think of the support others gave you.

This week, members of our TAPS family shared songs that are meaningful to them.

This week, survivors who have attended the National Military Survivor Seminar share their experience with survivors who have not attended.

Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary to replenish ourselves so we can have the stamina to care for others.

Going to a seminar or a retreat can be a moving experience. If you haven’t attended either, you may want to know the special qualities of each.

Survivors talked this week about ways to support those who are new to the path of grief.

I hope that you find comfort in the other ways survivors have found to celebrate the lives of their loved ones as you read the suggestions.

Survivors share reflections on what to expect at TAPS seminars and retreats.

Remembering the light and not the darkness takes a long time to come into our lives after the death of a loved one.

Survivors share what they have done with special mementoes of their loved one.

This week several survivors sent in their ideas on strategies that help them while grieving.

Finding strategies that help deal with emotions that come around special holidays, birth or death dates of our loved ones can be difficult.

Survivors wrote this week about special places they shared with their loved ones.

Helping yourself when you are grieving may not seem like a priority. Survivors share strategies that have helped them take care of themselves.

Grieving the loss of a loved one takes a toll on our emotions, body, and mind. The most important thing we can do is to take care of ourselves as best we can.

This week several survivors wrote to tell about the dreams that they have had.

“Knowing what you know now, what would you offer to another person who has lost a loved one?”

This week survivors shared a special ability or "knack" that made their loved one unique.

Through the Saturday message we offer a safe and comfortable site to share and reach out across the miles to other survivors offering care and comfort.

Sleep. What do you do to get the rest that is needed while grieving?

This week’s question centered around letting others know that you love them while you are grieving the loss of an important person in your life.

Your emotions will change as you walk the path of grief. Healing Grief, Finding Peace is also packed with inspirational quotes from a variety of sources.

The Saturday message started out as a weekly letter between a few friends that met at the TAPS National seminar over a Memorial Day many years ago.

Healing the Hurt Spirit helps dispel the myths that still exist in our society and leads us to the reality that one last event does not define our loved one’s whole life.

For many of us it is hard to open our hearts when our loved one has given the ultimate sacrifice to our nation and we remain behind.