Healing from Grief and Loss

It takes courage and tenacity to adapt to a new normal after suffering loss and grief. The after-shocks of tragedy bring feelings of depression and despair leaving many alone with nowhere else to turn, adding to the confusion and distress.

Tannis believes that we were not meant to do this alone and shares her simple reminders of coping with loss and how easily others can help those who's voice has been stilled by disaster. Too many times we shy away from those in pain for fear of saying the wrong thing and we under estimate the value of just being there. Tannis experienced this first hand after her daughter's death from a bone marrow transplant in the U.S when her family caught a flight home to Canada. Her 16 year old son described the experience as feeling as if all courage strength and hope walked out the door with them. That's when he went for a long walk in the rain, in a strange city to try and come to terms with his sister's death, not knowing his parents and brother were fearing for his safe return home.

Tannis resides in Calgary Alberta with her husband of 33 years and their 2 sons. Teaching 10 years in the Elementary Classroom earned Tannis the Award of "Most Innovative Teacher," where she excelled in encouraging parental involvement in the classroom. As one of her most favorite endeavors, Tannis dedicated 9 years of her life as a diligent caregiver, nursing assistant, and advocate for her terminally ill daughter, Janelle. It was through this experience where Tannis learned to utilize pain and suffering as a tool for growth in strengthening her resolve, character and compassion. Tannis takes comfort in the fact that she has learned how to become a "victor" instead of a "victim" of life's tragedies, with her daughter Janelle cheering her on from Heaven.