A Message from Ronnie: 

Of all of the experiences that we confront in life, one of the toughest is the sudden and tragic loss of someone we love.  Loss in itself is difficult, but sudden or shocking loss doubles our pain.  Often, we are left overwhelmed and debilitated by traumatic and complicated grief. 

When my stepson Channing took his life in 1995, I was unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that followed. My marriage did not withstand the stress and within three months, it ended.  Reeling with grief and post traumatic stress, I entered a period of despair in which life no longer held joy.

I was frightened and angry. I felt guilty and powerless. My sense of possibility and desire to participate in the world around me were gone. I was numb, obsessed with thoughts and emotions related to both losses, wondering -- even two years later -- if I would ever feel moved, inspired, joyful or powerful again. Many years have passed and much healing has occurred.  Joy and meaning have returned to my life. I am wiser, more compassionate, perhaps stronger, and certainly less arrogant about the degree of control I have over life.  Today, as a counselor, I value my personal understanding of the nature of traumatic grief.  When I encounter new survivors of significant loss, sometimes so raw with grief that they can barely say their name, my heart goes out to them and I always wish that I had a magic wand to make their pain disappear, but I don't. What I can do is provide state-of-the art support and hope for the healing journey they must take. Someone once said that after a traumatic loss "everything helps a little, but nothing helps a lot."  Although everyone's journey is unique, and time is an important factor, I have come to believe that there are significant things that can help survivors endure, survive and eventually even go beyond surviving.  My thoughts and prayers are with all who must make this journey.  Ronnie Walker, MS, LCPC

When the loss is new, it's hard to know how you will get through the next hour, much less the next day, week or year. People can and do survive and even eventually go beyond surviving. If you are reading this because you lost a loved one, I am very sorry.  If I can be of support in your time of grief, please contact me.