Posted on March 23, 2017
April showers bring May flowers…March excites me for it brings with it the promise of spring. Then comes the rainy season! April, for me, is the tunnel through which I must pass to reach the other side of winter. It may be dreary and cold, and at times a little tiresome; but it is necessary to get me to the warmth and joy that summer offers. So, here I go. Follow me if you will.
As you move into the summer of your grief journey, you will have left behind cold and rainy days. You will experience hard times before experiencing the joy and sunshine of tomorrow, and those times will change the person you are. They will mold you into the person you are to become. I pray that as you begin that journey and continue to walk along the pathway, you will have a hope of better tomorrows and sunshiny days. Allow someone else to walk beside you and be your friend. Let them hold your hand or cry with you. Allow someone else to be your strength if needed. Allow yourself to change. Also, remember we are here if you need us in the months to come. There are always events offered to lend support. Feel free to take advantage of them. We want to help you on your journey towards healing.
Upcoming events: There are many things happening in the area of bereavement. Check them out!
April 10: “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 noon at Mr. Lee’s. (own expense) This is a group that lends itself to fellowship, support and food. Join us.
April 11: Lunch Group in Barnesville @ NOON @ Annie K’s.
April 20: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lees in Cambridge. MUST RSVP.
April 24: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s
April 25: Grief Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice Office. MUST RSVP.
April 27 : Breakfast Support group @9:00 am at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
As always, if you have any questions or if you need to talk, I am available. With warm thoughts…
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on February 20, 2017
SPRING is in the air! This past weekend was such a gift… And the week ahead looks promising for sunshine as well! Hopefully March will bring an early spring and the sunshine I so love. The days are becoming longer and I would love to begin to think of outside chores and activities. I am already decorating the outdoor patio in my mind. One of my favorite spots is the old porch swing. I love to sit on it and watch the world go by. It gives me great peace, and occasionally I’ll grab a nap after a busy day at work. It is my get-a-way for a few needed moments.
As March brings springtime, I hope it also brings for you sunshine and hope in the new season. It is only natural to have dreary days mixed in with the sunshine, so don’t be discouraged when they creep in. Just try to stay focused. Plan an activity that will bring you joy, and act upon it. Have lunch with a friend, feed the ducks, or take a walk. But whatever you do, look for that moment or activity that gives you a few minutes of peace, and bask in its warmth. It may be what gets you through to the next season.
But no matter where you find yourself as you read this, remember that we at Hospice are here to lend you support along the way. Our upcoming events for the month of March are as follows:
- March 13 “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of fellowship and sharing.
Lunch is on your own. Everyone welcome.
- March 14– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s (Barnesville) at noon . Anyone who may enjoy eating and talking with others, please join us.
- March 16– Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 pm at Mr. Lee’s. RSVP
- March 23– Breakfast support group meets @ 9 :00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley.
- March 27– “Friends of Faith” meets at NOON at Annie K’s in Barnesville.
- March 28-Support Group @ 5:30 p.m. at the Hospice Office RSVP
If you have questions about any of the events, or you just need someone to talk to, call me at 432-7440. May spring shine upon you!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, AHPC-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on January 31, 2017
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 13- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of
fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
February 14– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s @ noon. Anyone who may enjoy
eating and talking with others, please join us.
February 16– Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 pm at Mr. Lees. Please RSVP
February 23- Breakfast Support Group @ 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
February 27– Friends of Faith meets at noon @ Annie K’s.
February 28-Support Group WILL NOT MEET TONIGHT
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, 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.
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