About Robyn Faust Gabe: Unexpected loss generates different unexpected consequences for all surviving family members. I lost my brother on February 13, 2006. He was twenty-three years young.

Death enters people’s lives on a daily basis whether or not we recognize it. Death is in the books we read, the songs we listen to, the fictional and non-fictional programs we watch, and/or on our bookmarked web pages. The media, society, and fantasy novel authors seem to glorify death. That is, until death personally touches them.

These blog posting, poems, book reviews, and literature reviews are part of my experiences, memories, and coping mechanisms as surviving adult sibling. The writings are not meant to trivialize anyone’s loss as no two people grieve the same way for the same person. Rather, the writings are meant to be a guide for other siblings, spouses, friends, and family members as to what to possibly expect. They are also meant to provide support for anyone trying to establish their new normal. All writings are meant to be tools and not a substitution for counseling.

I am a Ph.D. student in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. In my research I explore intrapersonal conflicts that result from unexpected events/losses. I also explore communication between couples and how relationships are affected.