I Didn't Know What To Say.com was created to inspire and provide you with tools to assist a friend or family member through the grieving process.

My expertise comes from those experiences that only life can provide.  Over the past 20 years I have lost many family members and several friends. Namely, my mother who died when she was 50 from ovarian cancer, my aunt Pam, who died two weeks after my mother in a fatal car crash, my aunt Carol, who died from melanoma, my grandfather Ted from bone cancer, my friend Dan at age 28 who died from a rare form of abdominal cancer, my grandmother Lillian, who died from breast cancer, my grandfather Magnus- bless him to be the only one who has died of old age at 98, my pets Red, Jonathan and Harley, and several friends and colleagues along the way. I am no stranger to loss nor is my family. I mention my loss to acknowledge that what I write is from the heart and from true-life experience.

In addition to my many life experiences, I hold a Master's degree in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University at Northridge. I have presented workshops in the area of active listening, handling life's transitions, and leadership development for over twenty years and have extensive experience mentoring and coaching young adults.  I am also currently studying with the Grief Coach Academy.

Throughout my life I have been blessed with many friends and relatives that were there for me as I went through the process of grieving to healing.  Their thoughtfulness has been an inspiration to me and I hope to you as well. 

I have learned over the years that although people want to support a grieving loved one, they often don't know where to start.  I Did Not Know What To Say.com was created out of my passion to assist people find the words when they don't know what to say or how to be supportive. 

I welcome you to share your experiences and inspirational messages.  As we receive new submissions we will be posting them on the website.

The smallest of gestures can make a big difference in someone's life.  My hope is that our site will inspire you to make a difference in the lives of those around you.  

With Love and Gratitude,  

Lori