Sandy's Trauma and Beginning of Grief
Every One of us go Through Grief
OK, so I was on this journey – you can imagine. I loved the journey. And then, the next thing that happened was that tragedy in my life whereby my 3 daughters and their friend were murdered. I want to tell you about my journey of grief during this time. There may be some things there that can help. There are certainly some positive aspects that come out of it, so I’ll tell you about my journey of grief … and you know what? Every one of us here are going to have to go through grief.
Learning Through Adversity
Maybe many of us have already been through grief, and there’s going to be more. We’re all going to go through some adversity at some time. The key thing out of adversity and out of trauma is learning. What is there that you can learn from this event, because you know, those learning experiences are experiences for our soul and it’s the soul that needs the experience.
I’m so Glad I Spoke to my Girls That Night
So, Jenny and Kirsty, they were twins at 19 and Lexie, she was 16 – the next day. And the date was 23rd January 1987. They were living with their mum in the northern Sydney suburb of Pymble and a friend of theirs, Lisa was there as well, so there were 4 of them in the house. I was living about 5 kilometres away in Lindfield, married to Sandra and at that time we had a little 5 year old girl, Lara and a little 3 year old boy, Ian. At about 7 o’clock that Friday night I rang and spoke to Lexie and also spoke to Jenny and Kirsty and I tell you, the mirth and joy in that household was fantastic. They were all preparing to go camping for the Australia Day long weekend. And we taught them about camping, so I was really pleased about that. They were going to be joined by a group of friends to go camping. In retrospect I am so glad I was able to speak to the girls at that time, because at 10 past 9 that night Richard Madrell arrived at the door and professed his love for Jenny who of course had not had anything to do with him for 12 months and all of them wanted to keep him away with their mother even trying unsuccessful to take out an AVO on him. But he arrived at the door and shot her. He then shot Kirsty, then Lisa and then shot Lexie. All over in ten minutes.
My First Reaction
The police hammered on my door at about 2 o’clock in the morning and told me what had happened. My first reaction was that this was impossible … I mean I had only spoken to them several hours earlier. For me it was complete disbelief and I questioned about being shot with a shotgun as I knew something about guns from the army. I questioned the fact that it must have been impossible because with a shotgun you have to load it, fire and then re-load it, re-load it again …. Surely one or two of them are going to be able to get away. Surely not all 4 of them, not all 3 of my girls.
I Still Couldn’t Believe it.
On the way to their home in the police car I was still arguing with the police and I was asking if they had seen their bodies. “Oh, so you haven’t seen their bodies … you haven’t actually been there …. You’ve only been told about this over the radio … so you don’t really know this for sure.” Always thinking and hoping that it’s not true.
My Denial Phase
And then a little bit of doubt would come in and it would be like this: “God, how could you let this happen. No, no no, you haven’t let it happen. But …. If you have … what have the girls done? What have they done to deserve this for goodness sake? There is no God.” And so that’s where my denial phase started.
By Sandy MacGregor – http://www.selfimprovementdeals.com
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If you are like most consumers, the current economic environment and has you re-thinking your holiday shopping list. And, with holiday shopping now in full effect, what better time than now to start thinking about how you can save while still getting the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Nationally recognized consumer trends expert Drew Krasny has great gift ideas to help stretch your holiday dollar. He will discuss everything from the latest trends in gift giving and how to shop on a budget to tips on how to avoid the most common holiday shopping mistakes.
As wars end, the hardship continues. Servicemen are still stationed overseas, families remain left behind and veterans return to an economy stuck in the doldrums. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation’s Return the Favor campaign supports programs and services that work to ease the burden on America’s active-duty military, veterans and their families.
One key part of the campaign is the Unmet Needs Program. The program assists with basic life needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses or food/basic assistance. It has helped over 3,000 military families and funds are available to all five branches of the military, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves. Since 2004, the Unmet Needs Program has provided more than $4 million dollars in financial assistance to deserving military families.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53538-vfw-foundation-return-the-favor-campaign-on-national-tv-series-giving-back
Homeowners in Santa Clara County still can take advantage of a county rebate program that covers 80 percent of the cost of a home energy assessment, up to $800. However, because the program is for a limited time only while funds last, homeowners are urged to contact a participating contractor as soon as possible to schedule a home energy assessment and also qualify for additional incentives up to $6,000 through Energy Upgrade California.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53504-energy-rebates-air-conditioning-repair-hvac-insulation-home-value
They’ve been dubbed the “Sandwich Generation”–middle-aged people caring for aging parents while still taking care of their own children. Pulled in many directions, these family jugglers are at risk for stress, depression and other health problems. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population; 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This will continue for nearly 20 years, and that means more and more people will find themselves aiding their aging parents.
Throughout November, which is National Family Caregiver Month, BeSmartBeWell.com sheds light on the challenges of caregiving and the particular issues facing the Sandwich Generation. At BeSmartBeWell.com, siblings Chris and Ann share their story of juggling jobs, family and caring for elderly parents.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/caregivingparents/50827/
U.S. insurance companies continue to face an uncertain future. Evolving regulatory requirements and a still-shaky economy coupled with more demanding consumers, combine to present a new set of challenges to insurers today. While weaker companies continue to shake out, remaining contenders must realize that survival and success will depend largely on their willingness to innovate.
Frost & Sullivan recently published a whitepaper, Using Mobile Solutions to Improve Insurance Sector Performance, which examines how mobile technology can help control cost, manage risk and create new revenue.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/frostsullivan/53280/
It still pays to play nice at work, a new Robert Half survey confirms. Nearly half (48 percent) of workers interviewed said being courteous to others can help an employee rise through the ranks. Another 41 percent said etiquette plays at least some role in career advancement.
Robert Half also has introduced new videos illustrating some of the most egregious examples of office etiquette faux pas as part of the firm’s ongoing video series, “Don’t Let This Happen to You.” The lighthearted videos, including “The Cupcake Caper,” along with advice on avoiding common blunders, can be found at www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53175-robert-half-survey-and-companion-video-series-highlight-office-etiquette
An information technology degree from Kaplan University could be the first step towards a potential information technology career.* Earning an IT degree online can seem like a daunting task, but Kaplan University faculty and staff are available to students through email, instant messaging, and phone calls as well as weekly online seminars.
Kaplan University students who have completed their online information technology degrees have gone on to work at major corporations including Microsoft and Ticketmaster. The IT degree program offered by Kaplan University presents students with real-world scenarios and offers the support to learn in an interactive environment. Constant communication and extensive resources positions Kaplan University among the top online universities.
Completing a university degree online allows the student to continue working full time while being able to take classes that fit into their busy schedules. Even in a difficult economy, a degree from Kaplan University is an investment in your future. Technological advances are not slowing down and those who can manage information technology and all that an IT degree encompasses could have a relevant career ahead of them.
* Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
“The Information Systems and Technology programs at Kaplan [University] are very real-world and very relevant. Kaplan [University] teaches its students skills that are really necessary in today’s work place. One of the things we do for an incoming student at Kaplan [University] is we provide them very early on with some diagnostic testing that helps them identify not only their academic strengths and opportunities for learning, but also helps them identify their areas of interest and their strengths outside of the academic setting. From the first day the student virtually steps on to the campus they’re empowered to be successful.
Every day our faculty talk with students and help them think about how they can accomplish what they need to accomplish in order to be successful at school. They want to make sure that the students are comfortable in their environment and students will tell you that they can get a hold of anybody just about any time.
All of the faculty members have instant messaging and email capabilities and they have office hours where you can contact them or you can email them and they’ll always get back to you.
I have well over 300 students on my messenger list so there’s still a lot of that personalization and we try to get in there and really help the students succeed.
The support I got from my teachers and advisors was tremendous. They were caring and they seemed like they were really interested in what was going on.
We’re very serious about our work so that our students are learning and growing and when they graduate they’re prepared for what they’re doing. In the classroom we’re relaxed and we talk to each other.
I was very surprised; I actually met a lot of wonderful people online and I’ve made lifelong friends with them.
We have a seminar every week online where you meet with the instructor and all the students; it’s like a chat room. It involves an audio feature so they can hear the instructor speak. It allows for much more interactive questioning and dialogue so the student gets much more out of the seminar experience. We want to connect talent to success, to career and job success.
Now, with my education, I’ll be able to make better money which means better opportunities for my kids, my family and a better quality of life. The quality of education that I received at Kaplan University was superb. It was far beyond anything I could have imagined.
One of my former students has al
At Kaplan University, our main focus in developing our online MBA programs is career development. We believe the time and effort that is required to obtain a master’s degree online should be apparent the first day the student begins their new career. Earning an MBA could be a step in the right direction towards a fulfilling and satisfying career.*
Kaplan University’s Master of Business Administration online offers students the tools to understand the relevant knowledge and proficiencies, and to apply what they have learned in class at work. Our unique distance learning MBA program is designed to accommodate students that work full time. You can attend class virtually anywhere you have an Internet connection, and the coursework material is available to you at any time. Students can pursue their goals and complete their MBA online for a brighter future.
Kaplan University strives to put our students first. We have our fingers on the pulse of what is going on in the business world and integrate that knowledge into our courses. At Kaplan University, we are proud to offer our students resources to help them succeed in their pursuit of continuing education. Our instructors care about their students and are available to answer questions or offer support.
* Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
“We’re very proud of our MBA program. The MBA Program enables students to develop a portfolio of practical, resume building experiences while they’re still in school. What they can do with that is really demonstrate that they know what business is about and they know how to manage and lead projects.
I think one of the things that we’ve worked very diligently toward is to build a curriculum that provides students with real world experience so that they’re able to that the skills that they’re earning in the classroom, learning in the classroom and carry those immediately into the workforce.
The one thing that I would have to say that Kaplan [University] afforded me that other programs I looked at did not afford me is the practical use of every course and I can take it right from the classroom right to my work every single day.
We have specializations in marketing, management, finance, entrepreneurship which is very popular, international business.
An emphasis in International Business with all of its aspects from Human Resources to International Finance, International Projects, and International Marketing; that is something that I think will help me greatly especially in the consulting field.
What they’re able to say with the MBA is that they’ve got areas of expertise in Finance and Economics and Accounting and that they’ve got the skill set that goes beyond what somebody with a bachelor’s degree would have.
All of a sudden my supervisor is realizing that I’m being underutilized, so now I have more responsibilities that are more challenging.
The challenge is there for sure, but it’s the tools like the Writing Center, the Math Center- the things that make a student be able to succeed.
You will find help and assistance from the beginning. Your academic advisor, the financial advisor, and every step you will always have somebody that will be there right by your side.
I’ve had many students contact me years after they’ve completed their degree and say it was because of having earned my MBA I’m now working in a different capacity; working in a leadership role, working as a VP, working as a CEO at a small corporation. Or many students go off and start their own business because they got the confidence of the skills that they’ve gained.
If you want your MBA, I can just tell you- Kaplan [University] is your first choice, it is. The structure of th
When beginning her journey at Kaplan University, Michell Sturgis was unsure how the demands of working full time and college course work would impact her life. Kaplan University’s flexible learning schedule and online degree programs allowed her to complete her assignments at her own pace while still being able to spend quality time with her daughter. Michell took the next step forward from her associate’s degree to earning her bachelor’s degree online.
Like many other Kaplan University students, Michell trusted the Kaplan name. With Kaplan University comes the knowledge that we’re an accredited online university* and that our business and management degrees are well- received in corporations all over the country. Our online courses cater to working adults with responsibilities that extend beyond the typical 9 to 5.
If working while attending college is your reality, our online School of Business and Management sets us apart from other online colleges. We offer extensive resources to our students to aid in their academic success. Attending business school online can seem daunting, but current Kaplan University students will tell you that professors are readily available through e-mail, instant messaging, phone calls, and office hours. If earning an online bachelor’s degree is part of your plan, come see what Kaplan University’s many online learning programs have to offer.
*Kaplan University is regionally accredited. See our website for details.
† Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
“When I decided to come back to school and pursue my bachelor’s degree I did have a fear of how I was going to fit the studies into my schedule. It had been quite a while since I graduated with my associate’s degree. I was already working full time when I started here at Kaplan [University], and I’m also a parent. I have a 7-year-old daughter and it was really helpful that they were really flexible and they offered classes during the day and the evening.
Kaplan [University] started offering online classes for my degree which really ended up being helpful to me because I didn’t have to be here on campus all of the time and I could get work done at night after I got my daughter to bed. I chose to study business management because I want to one day have my own business. Now that I have graduated from Kaplan [University], I am still working full time. I work as a case manager at a shelter for domestic violence. My business degree has contributed to my current job because I am able to move into different areas at my workplace and move more into the administrative side of things instead of the direct care and that was one of my goals.
Since graduating from Kaplan University my life has changed. For one, I am more confident when it comes to applying for jobs. It has also changed in my home life with my daughter; she is very proud of me—that her mom is successful and that is important to me.”
Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic, but the Hispanic community is particularly affected. Children of Hispanic descent are significantly more likely to be overweight and obese than non-Hispanic Caucasian kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
For 11-year-old Alejandra and her parents, food was an expression of love. But overeating and other unhealthy habits led this young girl to become overweight. Today, Alejandra knows that you can eat right and still eat well. At BeSmartBeWell.com , Alejandra and her parents show how they've changed their ways without sacrificing their culture or love of food.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50822/
