Bereavement Newsletter August 2023

Posted on July 25, 2023

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 deserves 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 have lost some very good friends. The void still exists when I can no longer share the excitement and pictures of my grandkids 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 them. They, in many ways, helped shape me into how I respond today. They 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

August 8: Lunch Group to meet at Barnesville Park at Noon. Bring your lunch.

August 10: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon. Lunch on your own. It is a time of food and fellowship with others who have suffered a loss.

August 24: Breakfast Support Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

August 30: Coffee with Chris: Men’s coffee/support group at 9:00 AM. They meet at various places around the community. If interested, contact me for details on the upcoming month’s location.

Hope to see you or talk with you soon!

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator