Hi, everyone. Welcome to Life Links.

This is the area where I’ll post links to information or help regarding life issues.

Sometimes life is overwhelming. You might be going through an illness or a trauma. Or maybe it’s just too many “little things” that pile up and become too big. Whatever the cause, all of us need help sometimes. Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. You may think you're the only one on the earth going through your own struggle, but you are not alone. There are always others who share your pain and who want to help.

Domestic Abuse. I've been blessed with a wonderful, gentle, respectful husband. Unfortunately many women have not been so blessed and have suffered physically and/or emotionally. For those suffering domestic abuse, or for those who want to help someone in an abusive situation:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Find help in your state, Safe Horizon

Cancer. It's a terrifying word. There was no “internet” when my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1990. Instead, my wonderful father went to the public library and looked for every book he could find, trying to give me information and hope. My best friend's husband, a doctor and phenomenal human being, was available to give me advice and support any hour of the day or night. I was so fortunate to have people who cared about me and supported me. My husband is healthy and has been cancer-free for over ten years and for that I am thankful. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, try these links for support or information:

American Cancer Society

American Cancer Institute

Cancer News

Grief. Are you grieving? Do those around you say, "Just get over it?" Well, sometimes it's just not that easy. In 1989 I lost my first child at the end of my first trimester. I was devastated. I grieved wildly, and although my friends and family loved me and really wanted to help, no one around me truly understood. Most said, "It was only your third month," or "You'll have another baby. Just get over it and move on." You know, I think I would have traded everything I owned for help back then. Now, there are many resources to support you, whatever the source of your grief. For support in your grief or that of someone you love:

GriefNet

Grief Companion

Compassionate Friends

Rape. Once again, a terrifying word. Sometimes you can take precautions to keep yourself safe - read, be educated, be aware. But sometimes despite all precautions, life just doesn't work that way. Control is stolen, along with trust, self-esteem, maybe even a piece of your soul. Here are some links that address date rape in particular.

Women, teach the teens--boys and girls--around you the facts:

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/date_rape.html

A page by a survivor for other survivors:

http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/4350/

Written by lawyers:

http://www.workplacelawyer.com/date_rape.html

If you've never been threatened, be thankful and stay vigilant. If you've been a victim, get help, please. Above all else, take care of yourselves.

This area will always be "Under Construction." If you have a link that has made a difference in your life, send it to me at karen@karenrosebooks.com.

I’ll post as many as I can. Thanks!

All my best,