Thought for today, found on Beliefnet:

You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head,
but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.
- Chinese Proverb

This brings to mind a conversation I had this week with a friend, whose sister had the combined losses last year of an unwanted divorce followed by the accidental death of her 19 year old son. My friend lives about 3 hours from her sister; her sister's grief has been tremendous and we were discussing how hard it is to know how to help someone. And that everyone's grief journey is their own to take, in their own way.

In respecting someone's mourning, and their individual ways to work through the process, how do you know when it is not working for them? I would love to hear what you think is the fine line between healthy mourning and realizing a friend or loved one may be in trouble?

Springboard's™ programs and services are designed for you, regardless of where you are in life's journey. We invite you to explore and share our resources with employers, groups, organizations, professionals or anyone supporting others through a transition. Visit us today at http://www.launchingnewlives.com/

Home For Easter

When children lose a parent, no matter when, it is tremendously sad. At a holiday, especially one that we think of as a special time for children, one that by its very origin means new life, it seems especially cruel. We cannot help but think forward to future holidays that will be forever linked with a painful loss.

And yet, could there be a more meaningful or powerful time of year in the Christian faith for a loved one to die? Can the daily changing landscape of new life remind us of the continuity of life, our lives, our rebirth? Is there a measure of solace to be found in the Easter Story?

This Easter, we know of three small children who lost their Dad. Only forty-four, he had seemed to be healthy, until he died on Thursday. His wife had to plan a funeral for Easter Monday.

Upon reflection, this story is too frequently told in our newspapers and on the evening news; it just really hits home when it is someone you know personally. Such as...

• my friend, who was a Dad out for an evening run at age 38; he was found by a neighbor, the week before Christmas. He left a wife with three small daughters.
• my friend and former co-worker, a Dad in his forties, at home with his teenaged son, who started CPR to no avail. He left a wife with a teenaged daughter and son.

And now, another friend with whom I worked, who always glowed with stories of his two sons and then their young daughter. The soldier, Boy Scout Leader, active church volunteer, loving husband, responsible employee....and Dad. We hope that his family will find comfort and reassurance in the Easter Story, this year and every year.

We will miss you, Brian.

Springboard's™ programs and services are designed for you, regardless of where you are in life's journey. We invite you to explore and share our resources with employers, groups, organizations, professionals or anyone supporting others through a transition. Visit us today at http://www.launchingnewlives.com/

Getting A Fresh Start on Tax Year 2009!

As we prepare our 2008 taxes to mail by April 15, we cannot ignore the impact of this investment year has had. Although a small minority prospered significantly, most have had sobering news to absorb. Those with positive and open relationships with financial advisors have been reviewing, reassessing, and revising financial plans in light of the last six months.

Here are some Springboard recommendations:

1. Take time to reflect on any gap you may have in your financial and legal "team". Did you have a coordinated strategy for your investments and tax preparation?
2. Do you have a system for maintaining key records for 2009, and have you shared that information with those who would need to step in for you in case of illness or emergency? Do not wait!
3. Review your estate plans, insurance products and investments. For instance, your family needs may warrant not only rebalancing your retirement and investment portfolio, but updating insurance coverage to offset changes in your total financial picture.
4. Remember to include a review of longterm care and disability insurance if your "cash cushion" is smaller now.
   

While it is easy to look backwards and wish you knew "then" what we all see plainly now, taking action with what you have learned may be a good remedy for remorse! Wayne Gretsky says it well:

" I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been".

Here's to a great start for next year's tax season.