Bereavement Newsletter December 2024

Posted on November 22, 2024

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 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 through the toughest times. I pay you will allow your loved one to shine through you in some way this holiday season. We will be meeting together to remember our loved ones at the Holiday Memorial Service on December 3. We will light a candle in their honor/memory, sing a chorus or two and share a good story with those around us.

Upcoming Events:

December 3-Memorial Service at 5:30 PM at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge

December 10-CANCELLED this month…Lunch Bunch at the Barnesville Library Annex

December 12-Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at 12:00 PM

December 19-Breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM. PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE

Coffee with Chris will not meet this month, but will reconvene in January.

I am 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, Bereavement Coordinator

Bereavement Newsletter October 2024

Posted on September 17, 2024

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.

Upcoming Events

October 8-Lunch group at Barnesville Library Annex at 12:00 Noon. Bring a sack lunch.

October 10-“Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at 12:00 Noon. Everyone welcome!

October 24-Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM.

October 30-Men’s “Coffee with Chris” at East Wheeling Avenue Wendy’s at 9:00 AM.

Contact me with any questions at 740-432-7440.

Blessings,

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, Bereavement Coordinator

Bereavement Newsletter August 2024

Posted on July 23, 2024

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 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 ever 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.

Upcoming Events

August 8: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at 12:00 Noon. Lunch is on your own. It is a time of food and fellowship with others who have suffered a loss.

August 13: Barnesville Lunch Group at Georgie’s House…734 Bond Ave at 12 Noon. Bring your own lunch.

August 22: Breakfast Support Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM.

August 28: Coffee with Chris: Men’s coffee/support group meets at 9:00 AM at various places in the community. If interested, please contact us for details of the upcoming month’s location.

Hope to see you or talk with you soon!

Blessings!

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

Bereavement Newsletter July 2024

Posted on June 28, 2024

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 int 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

July 9 Barnesville Lunch Group Noon at Georgie’s House-734 Bond Ave. Barnesville. Bring your sack lunch.

July 11 Lunch Bunch at Noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge

July 13 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 benefit patient care and bereavement services. (Check out our Facebook or Website)

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 29, 2024

https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Cambridge/HospiceofGuernseyFlamingoRun

Bereavement Newsletter June 2024

Posted on May 17, 2024

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.

-Sarah 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 11: ***The Noon support group that meets at the Barnesville Library Annex will be meeting at the park this month due to conflicts of scheduling of their summer reading program. Hope to see you there!

June 13: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon. Come share lunch with others who have suffered a loss, and make a new friend.

June 24-26: Kids Kamp at Deerassic Park from 10AM-2PM each day. The Kamp is free and open to kids ages 6-12.

June 26: Coffee with Chris Dyer (men only) at Wheeling Ave. Wendys at 9AM

June 27: Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9AM

I pray God’s blessings on you as you continue to “reconnect with your heart”.

Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator