Posted on December 27, 2016
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. I hope we can do that together in the coming year.
Upcoming events:
January 9– Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
January 10–Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at noon.
January 19–Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 at Mr. Lee’s (RSVP)
January 23-Friends of Faith meets at Annie K’s at noon.
January 24- Paint & Sip with Lois Merrill @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice Office (please RSVP)
January 26- Support breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 am.
If you have any questions about an event, call me at 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 December 20, 2016
December 2016
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 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 8. The Hospice staff will be in attendance to meet with you.
Upcoming events:
December 8 Memorial Service @ Southgate Hotel (Formerly the Holiday Inn) in Cambridge at 6:00 pm
December 12 Lunch Bunch….. at noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
December 13 Lunch Bunch ….. at noon at Annie K’s in Barnesville
December 15 Suicide Survivor’s Group….. at 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lee’s Please RSVP
Friends of Faith…….Will not meet this month.
December 22 Breakfast Support Group…. @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley @ 9:00 am
Support Group…..The group meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month in Cambridge will not meet this month.
Posted on September 28, 2016
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 10- Lunch Bunch at noon at Mr. Lee’s.
October 11– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at NOON.
October 20-Suicide Survivor’s Group @ 6:00pm at Mr. Lee’s. RSVP
October 24-Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s
October 25– Support group @ 5:30pm at the Hospice office RSVP
October 27-Breakfast group at 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley.
November 1- Paint & Sip with Lois Merrill @ 5:30 PM @ Hospice office. RSVP
Contact me with any questions at 740-432-7440.
Blessings,
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on August 22, 2016
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 12- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at noon.
September 13- “Lunch Bunch” at Annie K’s in Barnesville at noon.
Suicide Survivor’s Support Group cancelled this month.
September 22- Breakfast Support Group at 9:00 a.m. @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
September 25- Out of the Darkness Walk for Survivor’s of Suicide from 2-4 pm in Newcomerstown. Register at OutoftheDarkness.org. We can carpool together if interested. Contact me here at hospice…740-432-7440
September 26- Friends of Faith meets @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
September 27- Support Group at 5:30 p. m. at the Hospice office. MUST RSVP
May a smile touch your soul today!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on July 21, 2016
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. 8: “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. 9: Support lunch group @ Annie K’s in Barnesville @ NOON
Aug. 18: Monthly Suicide Survivor’s Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lee’s. MUST RSVP
Aug. 22: Friends of Faith @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville.
Aug. 23: Monthly Support Group @ 5:30 pm @ the Hospice office . MUST RSVP
Aug. 25: 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 29, 2016
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 11 “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
July 12 “Lunch Group” 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 21 Suicide Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lees. MUST RSVP
July 24 Suicide Survivor’s ‘Butterfly Release’ @6:00 City Park Duck Pond Pavilion
July 25 Friends of Faith 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 26 Support Group 5:30 @ the hospice office. MUST RSVP
July 28 Grief Support Breakfast @ 9:00 am @Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
August 6 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.
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 June 29, 2016
Sign up for the Flamingo Run! 5K run, 5K walk and one mile memorial walk on Saturday, August 6th @ 8am. Register by July 15 to guarantee a T-shirt.
REGISTRATION FORMS – CLICK HERE
Staff and volunteers at Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. are planning to add some more fun to the Flamingo Run. In addition to the medals given to top finishers in each category, there will be some silly medals awarded as well. The “Best Dressed” medal(s) will be given to the wackiest, pinkest and most flamingo-like participant(s). There will be a few other silly awards, but organizers are keeping mum about what they are.
Participants should also plan for some family fun to take place while organizers are tabulating race results. There will be several games and activities to take part in.
The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Event day registration is $25. Registration forms are available at the Hospice of Guernsey office, United Way office and on Facebook.
Registration the day of the Flamingo Run will begin at 7am at Pavilion #1, corner of Edgeworth Ave. and North 8th St. New this year, race packets may be picked up early on Wednesday and Thursday, August 3rd and 4th from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Hospice of Guernsey office.
Hospice of Guernsey would like to thank Blue for Prosecutor for sponsoring the Flamingo Run finish line.
For information, call Jenna Conaway at 740-432-7440 or email jenna@firewireinternet.com.
Posted on June 9, 2016
Kids age 6 to 12, who have experienced a loss are invited to attend Hospice of Guernsey’s Kids Kamp on June 27 to 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Deerassic Park. The camp allows children to express their grief and to share and learn from others who have had similar experiences.
This year’s theme is “Inside Out”. Kids will create masks that are similar to the characters in the Disney movie and the feelings they represent. Attendees will also enjoy a drum circle, games, crafts, hiking and fishing. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Kids should wear old clothes and shoes for exploring the woods and creeks.
Preregistration required by Friday, June 26. Contact Lois Merrill or Terri Wootton with questions or registrations at 740-432-7440.
Posted on June 9, 2016
June 2016
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 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 14: Lunch Support Group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
June 16: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 p.m. at Mr. Lee’s. Must RSVP.
June 23: Breakfast Support Group @ 9 am at Patty’s Place in Caldwell.
June 27: Friends of Faith support group meets @ NOON @ Annie K’s
June 28: CANCELLED Support Group at 5:30 pm at the hospice office.
June 27-June 29: 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 April 26, 2016
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 9: “Lunch Bunch” Support Group at Mr. Lee’s noon. Join us for fellowship.
May 10: Barnesville Lunch Bunch @ 12:00 pm @ Annie K’s
May 19: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group 6:00 pm at Mr. Lees
May 23: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
May 24: Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice office
May 26: 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