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Bereavement Newsletter June 2023
Posted on May 22, 2023
I just now looked a head 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 8 – “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at 12 Noon. Come share lunch with others who have suffered a loss, and make a new friend.
June 13 – ***The support group that meets at the Barnesville Library Annex at 12 Noon will be meeting at the Barnesville Park In June, July, and August due to conflicts with scheduling of summer reading program.
June 19-21 – Kids Kamp at Deerassic Park from 10AM – 2PM each day. Kids ages 6-12 who have suffered a loss are encouraged to attend. Cost for the kamp is free. Call Terri for more info.
June 22 – Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9AM
June 28 – Coffee with Chris Dyer (Men Only) at Wheeling Ave McDonalds at 9AM
I pray God’s blessings on you as you continue to “reconnect with your heart”.
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator
Bereavement Newsletter May 2023
Posted on April 25, 2023
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 Mom, 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: Barnesville Lunch Bunch at 12 Noon at Barnesville Library Annex. Bring a sack lunch.
May 11: Lunch Bunch Support Group at 12 Noon at Mr. Lee’s
May 25: Support Breakfast at 9 AM at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
May 31: Coffee with Chris Dyer (Men Only) at 9 AM at Wheeling Ave McDonalds
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 Coodinator
Bereavement Newsletter April 2023
Posted on March 31, 2023
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:
Women’s retreat at Salt Fork. Call for more info
April 11: Support group meeting at Belmont County Library Annex, Barnesville at Noon (bring your own lunch and we can eat together)
April 13: Lunch Bunch at Lee’s in Cambridge at Noon
April 26: Coffee with Chris Dyer: Men’s group at Wheeling Ave. McDonald’s at 9:00 AM
April 27: Breakfast group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM
As always, if you have any questions or if you need to talk, I am available at 740-432-7440. With warm thoughts…
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator
Bereavement Newsletter March 2023
Posted on February 20, 2023
Spring! The calendar says 3 weeks. But we can hardly complain. It has been a mild winter. But there is something about the promise of spring and the week ahead does look promising for mild temperatures! Hopefully March will bring an early spring and more of the the sunshine I so love. The days are becoming longer and I would love to begin to think of outside chores and activities. I always begin thinking about decorating the outdoor patio at this point in time (at least 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 the next season.
But no matter where you find yourself as you read this, remember that we at Hospice of Guernsey are here to lend you support along the way. Our upcoming events for the month of March are as follows:
March 9- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon
March 14-Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon
March 23-Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM
March 29-“Coffee with Chris” MEN ONLY coffee group to meet the last Wednesday of the month at 9:00 AM at the East Wheeling McDonald’s in Cambridge. Chris Dyer was our former Chaplain and will be leading the group.
April 21-23-Discovering Joy in the Journey women’s widow retreat. Thanks to a grant from The John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund through The Columbus Foundation. Hospice of Guernsey will be hosting it’s first ever women’s retreat at Salt Fork Lodge. Cost is suggested minimum donation of $25 and spaces are limited. For more info call me.
If you have questions about any of the events, or you just need someone to talk to, call me at 740-432-7440. I CAN meet with you one on one. May spring shine upon you!
Blessings
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, AHPC-SW, Bereavement Coordinator
Bereavement Newsletter February 2023
Posted on January 20, 2023
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 on 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 9-“Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon
February 14-ATTENTION-Lunch Bunch in Barnesville will meet at Georgia Gallagher’s house due to conflict at the annex
February 23-Breakfast Support Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM
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
Bereavement Newsletter January 2023
Posted on December 21, 2022
January 2023
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 a 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 10-Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon. Bring your lunch
January 12-Lunch Bunch at Lee’s at Noon
January 26-Breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM
If you have any questions, 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
Hospice of Guernsey News 2022
Posted on November 30, 2022
Bereavement Newsletter December 2022
Posted on November 28, 2022
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 Boudeau 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. We will be meeting together to remember our loved ones at the Holiday Memorial Service on December 6. We will light a candle in their honor/memory, sing a chorus or tow and share a good story with those around us.
Upcoming Events
December 6…Memorial Service 5:00 PM at Southgate Hotel in Cambridge
December 8…Lunch Bunch at Lee’s at Noon
December 13…Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon
December 22…Breakfast at Patty’s at 9:00 AM
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, ACHP-SW Bereavement Coordinator
Bereavement Newsletter October 2022
Posted on September 19, 2022
OCTOBER 2022
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 11-Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon. Bring your own lunch and join us.
October 13-Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s at Noon.
October 27-Breakfast Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM.
Contact me with any questions at 740-432-7440
Blessings,
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator