Bereavement Newsletter – August 2015

Posted on July 22, 2015

The summer is quickly slipping away. Summer will soon turn into fall. And whether it has been a week, a month, or a year since the loss of your loved one, you will soon realize that life still goes on.  As much as we feel that the whole world should stop when our loved one dies, (for ours certainly did) the seasons continue to come and go. And we are forced to adjust.

All the feelings that overwhelm you when a loved one dies deserve your attention.  They are important openings to greater awareness:  about the relationship you shared, your own needs, the meaning of life. And they take time!!! They are also the steps to your recovery, for there is no way out but through.  Only by letting yourself experience grief can you move beyond it.  Beyond—not to your old way of being or what once was “normal”, but beyond to fully integrating loss into your life, to richer understanding, renewed purpose, and deeper spirituality.

Grieving is painful and demanding.  But healing does come.  The deep pain will subside and you will find yourself able to reflect on your loved one, how your life was and how it is now, and begin to think about how your life will be in the future. Personally, I lost my best friend. The void still exists when I can no longer share the excitement and pictures of my grandbaby or just pick up the phone and talk about my day! A BIG sigh …but I can testify that the pain has lessened in intensity. It no longer consumes me, but I will never forget her. She, in many ways, helped shape me into how I respond today. She will always be present in my life.

You don’t have to go through this time alone.  As part of our Hospice family, please take advantage of the services we offer.  I am also available by phone or appointment.

August activities at Hospice:

Aug. 10: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at 12:00. Lunch on your own.  It is a time of food and fellowship with others who have suffered a loss. For information, call 740-432-7440.

Aug.11:  Support lunch group @ Annie K’s in Barnesville @ 11:00 am.

The breakfast support group that always met @ Mr. Lees has been cancelled until further notice.

Aug. 20: Monthly Suicide Survivor’s Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lee’s.

Aug. 25: Monthly Support Group @ 5:30 pm @ the Hospice office CANCELLED for the Month.

Aug. 27: Breakfast Support Group @ Patty’s Place in Caldwell @ 9:00 am

FYI: We are in the process of transitioning this mailing from paper form to computer. As of October, this calendar of events will be available online only UNLESS you let me know. I will be willing to keep you on the paper mailing list IF you request. We are trying to cut down on some expense. Sorry for any inconvenience. I hope you will look for us online at: www.hospiceofguernsey.com.

Hope to see you or talk with you soon!

Terri Wootton  MSW, LISW

Bereavement Coordinator