There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief … And unspeakable love …
Washington Irving

After the death of a beloved, there is no avoiding the overwhelming grief or the tears. In the immediate aftermath, we may be in shock, feel numb or even be in denial about the loss. Although everyone’s timetable is different, eventually we have to acknowledge the loss and how devastated we are. No matter how painful, we must sit with our grief and all that we’ve lost in order to start healing.

a close up image of a piece of paper with handwriting all over it

At Salt Water, we can help you learn to live with an unbearable loss. We offer ideas, strategies, tools and most importantly, hope that you can survive the death of someone you didn’t think you could live without.

We invite you to become part of our community. Share your story, ask a question, make a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

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Sarah's dad wearing a black tank top and a backwards baseball cap. Brandon and Blaine are standing in front of him. Brandon is wearing a black tank top. Blaine is on the right and he's wearing a white t-shirt that says 'Headstart 2001 Blaine'

Hurt, Hell and Healing on the Horizon

Today is my Dad’s birthday. He was my best friend and helped me raise my two boys, Brandon and Blaine, from the time they were barely walking. Sadly, he passed away in 2010, and while I miss him terribly, I’m truly thankful that he was not here for our loss of Brandon in 2016. He would have been just shattered and broken over it.

Sarah Cavazos in Tears

Brandon, leaning against a tree, standing outside a brick building with a multi-pane window. Brandon is wearing blue jeans and a black and white striped sweater and has his arms crossed across his chest.

Transparent Moment #475

During the first year after losing my 20 year old son Brandon (who had the brightest smile, perfect dimples, the hardiest laugh and gave the best hugs), I learned a lot. A lot about myself, about people, about God, about death, about grief, about Brandon […]

Sarah Cavazos in Tears

Let It Matter

Five years ago, I laid eyes on and wrapped my arms around Jimmy Fowkes. Instant love! He did show up with yellow roses after all. I was full of hope that we would kick cancer’s ass together. And by together, I mean he would fight, and I’d simply hoist his tired body on my shoulders and climb the mountain, holding a not so trusty compass and his parents’ hands. They had fought for eight years to beat brain cancer. They fought hard. And in the end, it took him.

Heather Jackson in Tears

Cheyenne laying down looking back over her body.

Parting (for Cheyenne)

Carol Matthews-Rogers is an artist, writer and life-long animal lover. She is the Executive Director of the educational nonprofit The Creative Edge: The Way of the Arts where she facilitates personal growth and exploration through creativity in individuals and groups. She creates an atmosphere where […]