A nonprofit grief and healing organization dedicated to helping parents and families living with the loss of a child
What began as an intro to our COPE Newsletter has become a journal of sorts, of thoughts and feelings over the years…
Dear COPE Families, The last time I was in Arizona was 1991, three months before my daughter, Michelle, passed on Jan 25 in 1992. She had been attending the University of Arizona and met me at the airport. I have resisted …
Words from COPE President and Founder, Lillian Julien Dear COPE Families, Since loss drastically changed our lives, any change can be difficult. At a time when I was filled with fear, a therapist suggested I look at each day with “curiosity” rather …
Dear COPE Families, Holidays are a time when we may find ourselves struggling or even wrestling with our thoughts and emotions. We may feel that things must be done in a certain way or not at all. When we become aware …
Words from COPE President and Founder, Lillian Julien Dear COPE Families, I live with a hole in my heart. Often around the holidays, I fall in. I once had a dream that I fell into a manhole. Strangely, I landed …
Words from COPE President and Founder, Lillian Julien Dear COPE Families, As I struggle to find my voice (due to a vocal chord problem), I am reminded of my loss for words after each of my devastating losses. I had no …
As a mother, I write about Father’s Day, remembering my children’s father. I am a mother because of him. If not for him, I would not have my precious children. Robert Julien was a great father. He shopped. He carpooled. …
Words from COPE President and Founder, Lillian Julien Dear COPE Families, I was shattered by the loss of my child until I gradually found pieces of myself and strength to move forward. Mother’s Day is a day that I struggle with …
Words from COPE President and Founder, Lillian Julien Dear COPE Families, As we look forward to warmer temperatures of spring, we anticipate the coming holidays. No matter how many years have passed, holidays bring up those we are missing and how …
Words from COPE President and Founder, Lillian Julien Dear COPE Families, Writing is a powerful tool. As I recently looked through past newsletters for inspiration, I found how my column each month had become a journal of sorts, recording my emotions, …
Words from COPE President and Founder Lilly Julien “On the outside I’m trying to be brave and tough. On the inside my heart is breaking.” These were the words my daughter, Michelle, wrote in a letter home from camp when …