Posted on January 27, 2020
February 2020
By now you have had time to settle in to the new year just a little bit. Christmas decorations are down and tucked away for another year. To many, that may seem like a relief. Many emotions are flying at the thought of what the new year might hold. To some, it may mean a new beginning…this year has to be better than the last. Others might wonder how they can possibly go on…face the new year without their loved one. By now you have come to the realization that the world does not stop for you, no matter if you feel that it should. I am here to encourage you that things will get easier. You will in some way adjust. But I want to encourage you not to go at it alone. Find someone that will be a support and encouragement to you in the days and weeks ahead. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” If you feel you need someone to talk to, I am available for one on one time. There are also many events that take place throughout the month that you might find helpful. Give some of them a try.
February events:
February 10– “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
February 11– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s @ noon. Anyone who may enjoy eating and talking with others, please join us.
February 17– Friends of Faith meets at noon @ Annie K’s.
February 27- Breakfast Support Group @ 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
**New 13 week Grief Share support group starting Feb 6 at UMC in Barnesville from 12-2 pm. Please RSVP.
If you have any questions about any of the events, or you find yourself just needing a listening ear, call me at 740-432-7440. Blessings!
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on December 27, 2019
January 2020
A new year is upon us! Where does the time go? When I was young I hated it when someone said how fast the time went, for as I child, I didn’t believe it and I couldn’t wait for the years to pass! Now it is sometimes just a reminder of what was. It is sometimes hard not to wish those days and years back. But, as we are so aware, we cannot! We do, however, need to remind ourselves to make the most of today and pray for a happier tomorrow.
For many of you, this New Year may only be a reminder of who will not be with you as you face tomorrow. A friend once shared four little words with me that might help to make a difference in your days. They are “I have a choice”. We can choose to worry and be upset at life’s circumstances, or we can choose to move ahead one day at a time, making our life count for something. It has been said…”Those who grieve well–heal well! They also live well–living in the now! I hope we can begin to do that together in the coming year.
Upcoming events:
January 13– Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own
January 14–Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at noon..
January 20-Friends of Faith meets at Annie K’s at noon.
January 22- Support breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 am.
January 28- A new support group is starting. It will run for 9 sessions. It will be held at the hospice office from 6-8 pm.
If you have any questions about an event, call me at 740-432-7440. I am also available for one on one time. Remember that together and with support, we can make it through each new day.
God Bless you in this New Year!
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on November 22, 2019
December 2019
As you enter the last month of the year, you have already survived one major holiday of the season. I hope that as you focused on the true meaning of Thanksgiving, you were able to give thanks for something good in your life. But don’t stop now; for the Christmas holiday is upon us! Just as I encouraged you to look at the true meaning of Thanksgiving, I urge you to do something similar at Christmas. The author of this poem states her feelings beautifully!
First Christmas
It can’t possibly be Christmas without her being here.
Yet the world is singing round me, joyful tidings and good cheer.
Though I try to put on armor and brave the sights and sounds,
a few moments worth of shopping, and the tears are spilling down.
I pray for strength to do it, find a path through the holidays,
look for shortcuts, good ideas, and some directions through the maze.
Then I find at last the answer: I’ll include her symbolically.
And the giving becomes perfect; her love’s flowing down, through me.
Genesse Bourdeau Gentry
Sometimes it only takes a new perspective to help us get though the toughest times. I pray you will allow your loved one to shine through you in some way this holiday season. I hope you will consider joining us for the Holiday Memorial Service on December 5. The hospice staff will be in attendance to meet with you.
Upcoming events:
December 5…Memorial Service @ Southgate Hotel (Formerly the Holiday Inn) in Cambridge at 6:00 PM
December 9…Lunch Bunch….at noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
December 10…Lunch Bunch….at noon at Annie K’s in Barnesville
December 16…Friends of Faith….meets at noon @ Annie K’s
December 19…Breakfast Support Group….@ Patty’s Place in Caldwell at 9:00 AM
I am also available by phone or appointment. For more information on the above events, call 740-432-7440. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happier New Year!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on November 6, 2019
November 2019
Happy Thanksgiving…A time to be thankful. I never realized how many holidays had the words “happy” or “merry” attached to the day or the season prior to taking my current job as bereavement counselor. I soon became aware that these words frequently have a hollow ring for many during the holidays. But as we begin this stretch of the holidays, I encourage you to focus on the true meaning of Thanksgiving, for there are many things for which we can be thankful. Memories are precious. Share some of those with a friend this holiday season. It may mean that you have to make the choice to be thankful. But I believe as you do, you will feel it in your spirit.
If you are struggling this season, we at hospice will be glad to help in any way we can. We are offering a holiday memorial service on Thursday, December 5 @ 6:00pm at Southgate Hotel. It is open to the public. Feel free to bring someone with you to honor your loved ones. I invite you to come and share the evening with the hospice staff. A time of refreshments will follow.
Many other activities are lined up for the upcoming month as well. Hope to see you soon.
November 11– “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 @ Mr. Lee’s. An informal time to eat and share with others who have experienced a loss. Call for information.
November 12–Lunch group @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
November18–“Friends of Faith” group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
November 21- Breakfast at Patty’s Place @9:00 a.m. (Note the date change due to holiday)
Feel free to contact me with any questions at 432-7440.
Blessings,
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on October 1, 2019
October 2019
Fall is now upon us! Fall forces us to reevaluate some things. Our wardrobe is one of them. It is time to pull out the heavier insulation! We need extra protection from the elements and surrounding environment. This may also be true for you at this point in your grief journey. Extra or additional precautions must be taken for you to get through this season of life. It is important for you to take care of your emotional needs as well as your
physical needs. This is a time in your life when it is vital for you to express your feelings, ask and accept help, and be kind to yourself. You also need to get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and be alert for physical problems. You may also begin to set short term and long term goals. You may want to try a new activity, such as joining a club or organization, take a new course, do some volunteer work, or evaluate your career goals. Whatever the case may be, find a purpose for the season in which you are now living. We at hospice will be glad to help in any way we can. Many activities are lined up for the upcoming month. It would be great to see you at some of them. Check your calendar and plan ahead.
October 8– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at NOON.
October 14 – Lunch Bunch at noon at Mr. Lee’s.
October 21-Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s
October 24-Breakfast group at 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley.
We will have a fall painting workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Hospice Office. Lois Merrill will be leading the group. Please RSVP to me to reserve your spot. Watch for us on Facebook!
Contact me with any questions at 740-432-7440.
Blessings,
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on August 27, 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
It’s really hard to believe that we are heading into fall. The days are getting shorter, and the evenings are cooler. Change is in the air. For many of you, change took place days, weeks or months ago. Life changes forever when you lose a loved one. It’s as if you are forced to join a club in which you want NO part! Just as we have no control over the calendar and the seasons, we also had no control over the death of our loved ones. The only thing we do have control over is our attitude and how we are going to live with the hand we have been dealt. I can only say to you that things will get easier. In the meanwhile it is important to surround yourself with positive people, let the tears flow as needed, and remember to live your life as to honor your loved one. Seasons come and go, but memories will live on forever.
I am really grateful that I have the opportunity to speak words into your life each month. I only hope that some of them bring you hope. Many of you I have never met, but I want you to know that you are precious to us here at Hospice, and we are here to help in any way that we can. Along with one on one time, we offer many group activities. I hope you will take advantage of any that sound interesting or helpful. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to call me at 740-432-7440.
September activities:
September 9- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at noon.
September 10- “Lunch Bunch” at Annie K’s in Barnesville at noon.
September 16- Friends of Faith meets @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
September 26- Breakfast Support Group at 9:00 a.m. @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
May a smile touch your soul today!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on July 31, 2019
August 2019
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 grandbabies 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. 12: “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. 13: Support lunch group @ Annie K’s in Barnesville @ NOON
Aug. 19: Friends of Faith @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville.
Aug. 22: Breakfast Support Group @ Patty’s Place in Caldwell @ 9:00 am
Hope to see you or talk with you soon!
BLESSINGS!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on June 26, 2019
July 2019
The month begins with a BANG—a strong reminder of freedom. For many, the July 4th celebration means a picnic and fireworks. Sometimes the real meaning of the holiday is lost. Freedom can mean different things to different people. For some it does have the meaning of being able to live as we do in this country. For others, it may take on a new connotation. At this time in your life you may view your loved one as having been set free at last from their suffering. The hardships and illness that led to this time in your life are past, and now you must find a way to go on. Freeing yourself from living in the past is sometimes very difficult. Establishing a new norm for your life is essential and often requires energy you may not feel you possess. Others may be needed to help you along the way to healing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are also here to help in any way that we can. We offer various programs that I hope you will consider.
July’s upcoming events include:
July 8 “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
July 9 “Lunch Group” 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 15 Friends of Faith 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 25 Grief Support Breakfast @ 9:00 am @Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
July 27 Flamingo MEMORIAL Run: Sometimes doing something tangible is a special way to honor your loved one…You can do that with us in a one mile walk or a 5K. All monies will benefit patient care and bereavement services. (Check out our facebook or web page.)
Remember that I am also available for one on one time. I hope this season in life has you choosing to focus on the positives.
Blessings!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on May 28, 2019
June 2019
I just now looked ahead at the weather forecast for the week. It promises to be warm and sunny on the outside, but I know that all of you are not feeling its warmth on the inside. Because it may be stormy in your present circumstances, you may have to dig deep to find some hope of sunshine. But without hope, our spirit withers and dies! I am here to remind you that there is also hope in the stormy season of grief. The following sums it up for us:
The Hidden Power of the Heart
When the heart is enlivened again, it feels like the sun coming out after a week of rainy days. There is hope in the heart that chases the clouds away. Hope is a brighter heart frequency and as you begin to reconnect with your heart, hope is waiting to show you new possibilities and arrest the downward spiral of grief and loneliness. It becomes a matter of how soon you want the sun to shine. Listening to the still, small voice in your heart will make hope into a reality. – Sara Paddison
I particularly like the line that says : “It becomes a matter of how soon you want the sun to shine.” We do have control over much of it. I pray that you will listen to the small voice in your heart as you move towards healing. And remember, we are here to help.
June events:
June 10: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. Come share lunch with others who have suffered a loss, and make a new friend.
June 11: Lunch Support Group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
June 17: Friends of Faith support group meets @ NOON @ Annie K’s
June 27: Breakfast Support Group @ 9 am at Patty’s Place in Caldwell.
July 1-3 Kids Kamp at Deerassic Park from 10-2 each day.
Kids ages 6-12 eligible. Call Lois or Terri for details at 432-7440.
I pray God’s blessings on you as you continue to “reconnect with your heart”.
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on May 7, 2019
MAY 2019
Just as we have always heard that April showers bring May flowers, it is also true that we grow as we walk along the path of grief. Buried inside each of us is the potential to blossom into something beautiful after we have come through the rain. As I write this, I am taking time to look back over the last few years and reflect on the losses I have experienced. You see…I have lost my dad and my dearest friend since working here at hospice; BUT I have learned that I must leave the rains and storms of yesterday behind me and move into a new season where there can once again be flowers in bloom. My life must go on, and I have concluded that my loved ones would want that for me. It is my desire for you to learn the meaning of this as well.
May brings with it Memorial Day and a time of honoring those we love. For the average person, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend, and a time of rest or relaxation. But you probably do not feel like the average person at this time in your life, so I encourage you to do something that will honor the one you love in a different way than might be the norm. You may choose to plant a tree or shrub in your garden… one that will remind you of the one who is no longer with you. In time, it will be a comfort and a joy to behold. It is a living, breathing thing-something with life… just like you will remember your loved one as it ushers in precious memories of your times together. Plant it and water it with love! Enjoy it for years to come!
Upcoming events:
May 7: Stepping Stone Workshop @ 5:30 pm @ Hospice. See insert.
May 13: Lunch Bunch Support Group at Mr. Lee’s 12:00 noon.
May 14: Barnesville Lunch Bunch @ 12:00 pm @ Annie K’s
May 20: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
May 23: Support breakfast @ Patty’s Place @ 9:00 am in Caldwell
I hope to see you soon. And as always, I’m available by phone at
740-432-7440.
God Bless!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Call 24/7