Posted on December 18, 2020
January 2021
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 12– Lunch Bunch at Belmont County Museum/CANCELLED
January 13– Lunch Bunch at Lees’s/ CANCELLED
January 28- Support breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley/CANCELLED
I am so sorry that all activities have been put on hold. I will let you know when we can get back to meeting!
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
Posted on November 30, 2020
December 2020
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 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. Normally, we would meet to remember our loved ones together at this holiday season, but due to the rise in COVID cases, I have to report the cancellation of the Holiday Memorial Service on December 2nd. But I encourage you to light a candle in their honor/memory and share a good story with those around you.
After much conversation…We are also cancelling all outside grief groups for the month of December. We will revisit the situation in January. I am sorry for any inconvenience. I truly hate it, but know it’s the right decision.
Upcoming Events:
December 2…Memorial Service CANCELLED
December 8…Lunch Bunch CANCELLED
December 9…Lunch Bunch CANCELLED
December 23…Breakfast Support Group CANCELLED
I am available by phone or appointment. For more information on above events, call 740-732-7440.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happier New Year!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on October 26, 2020
November 2020
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 Wednesday, December 2 @ 6:00pm outside at the Hospice Office. We are located at 9711 E. Pike Rd. in Cambridge. 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. It will be a short service, including a candle lighting. A time of refreshments will follow. Dress warm. Hope to see you there.
Many other activities are lined up for the upcoming month as well. Hope to see you soon.
November 10–Lunch group @ noon @ Belmont County Museum in Barnesville.(Bring your own lunch and we’ll eat together)
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 19- 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 September 24, 2020
October 2020
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 13– Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Museum (Belmont County Victorian Museum). Bring your own lunch and join us at NOON.
October 14 – Lunch Bunch at noon at Mr. Lee’s.
October 22-Breakfast group at 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley.
Contact me with any questions at 740-432-7440.
Blessings,
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on August 25, 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020
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 15- “Lunch Bunch” at Barnesville Park at noon. Date Change!!
September 16- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at noon. Date Change!!
September 24- Breakfast Support Group at 9:00 a.m. @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
October 1- NEW SUPPORT GROUP starts. See enclosed flier.
May a smile touch your soul today!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on July 16, 2020
August 2020
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. 11: Lunch group to meet @ Barnesville Park @ noon. Bring your lunch and a folding chair. (This is in place of Annie K’s)
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. 27: 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 24, 2020
July 2020
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 14 Lunch Group 12:00 at Barnesville Park -bring lunch and chair
July 23 Grief Support Breakfast @ 9:00 am @Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
July 25 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 27, 2020
June 2020
It has been such a long time since we’ve met and I can’t wait to see you all again!
Life has certainly taken a crazy turn and has forced us into an isolation that has had tremendous effect on all of us. For some of us, it may have been a welcome respite from the busyness of life; but for others, it has meant grieving a loss alone. This takes its toll and can stunt the healing of grief.
Our groups were halted in early March and I have had a number of you calling to see when we will be getting back to meeting. I was given the go ahead for June 1. I have contacted restaurants and we can meet in groups of up to 6 or 10 at a table. Our support groups meeting at the office and in Barnesville will start then as well.
I know that some of you may not feel comfortable attending, and that is OK. For those who do attend, I hope you will be respectful of others. For meetings, other than restaurants, we will ask that you wear a mask and continue to social distance. We will attempt to accommodate with our seating plans. The calendar of events for the month has been tweaked a little due to my vacation….so take note of that.
Events:
Tuesday June 16: Annie Ks at noon (Barnesville)
Wednesday June 17: Mr. Lees@ noon (Cambridge)
Thursday June 25: Patty’s Place at 9:00am (Belle Valley)
The Group meeting at the Hospice office on Tuesday evenings (Understanding Grief) will begin on Tuesday June 2 @ 6:00 PM. Homework is to read chapters 5 & 6. We will meet either here or at the Cambridge park pavilion. I will let you know depending on the weather.
Griefshare in Barnesville starts Thursday June 4 at noon. We are on week 7.
I will attempt to contact you all by phone before your scheduled meeting. Until then ….
I look forward to seeing each one of you! If you have any questions, contact me at 740-432-7440.
Blessings!
Terri Wootton LISW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on March 25, 2020
April 2020
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 normally many things happening in the area of bereavement. However, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we have been forced to cancel them at this time.
Grieving is one thing, but being isolated in our grief is another. For that reason, I will continue to be available by phone if you need to reach me. I will attempt to reach out to you as well in the days ahead.
Take care of yourself. Reach out to others by phone. Pray. Keep a journal. Remember that this is but a season. This too shall pass!
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
Posted on February 19, 2020
March 2020
SPRING ! The calendar says 28 days, but this past weekend was a bit deceiving… WINDY and COLD, but the week ahead looks promising for sunshine ! Hopefully March will bring an early spring and more of 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 9 “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 10– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s (Barnesville) at noon . Anyone who may enjoy eating and talking with others, please join us.
March 16– “Friends of Faith” meets at NOON at Annie K’s in Barnesville.
March 26– Breakfast support group meets @ 9 :00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
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
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