Posted on October 24, 2018
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 Thursday, December 13 @ 6:00pm at Southgate Hotel. 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. A time of refreshments will follow.
Many other activities are lined up for the upcoming month as well. Hope to see you soon.
November 5- Pumpkin Art Workshop with Lois Merrill @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice office. Price is donation. Please RSVP. Space is limited.
November 12– “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 13–Lunch group @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
November26–“Friends of Faith” group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
November 29- 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 August 21, 2018
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 10- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at noon.
September 11- “Lunch Bunch” at Annie K’s in Barnesville at noon.
September 23- Out of the Darkness Walk for Survivor’s of Suicide from 2-4 pm in Newcomerstown. Register at OutoftheDarkness.org.
September 24- Friends of Faith meets @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
September 27- Breakfast Support Group at 9:00 a.m. @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
May a smile touch your soul today!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on June 21, 2018
July 2018
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 9 “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
July 10 “Lunch Group” 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 23 Friends of Faith 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 26 Grief Support Breakfast @ 9:00 am @Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
July 28 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. (See attached flier)
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 April 25, 2018
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 8: Barnesville Lunch Bunch @ 12:00 pm @ Annie K’s
May 14: Lunch Bunch Support Group at Mr. Lee’s 12:00 noon.
May 21: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
May 24: 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
Posted on January 29, 2018
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 12– “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of
fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
February 13– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s @ noon. Anyone who may enjoy
eating and talking with others, please join us.
February 22- Breakfast Support Group @ 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
February 26– Friends of Faith meets at noon @ Annie K’s.
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 21, 2017
January 2018
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 8– Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of
fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
January 9–Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at noon..
January 22-Friends of Faith meets at Annie K’s at noon.
January 25- 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 August 28, 2017
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 11- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at noon.
September 12- “Lunch Bunch” at Annie K’s in Barnesville at noon.
September 21 -Suicide Survivor’s Support Group cancelled this month.
September 24- 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 25- Friends of Faith meets @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
September 26- Support Group at 5:30 p. m. at the Hospice office. MUST RSVP
September 28- Breakfast Support Group at 9:00 a.m. @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
May a smile touch your soul today!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on July 17, 2017
July 2017
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 10 “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
July 11 “Lunch Group” 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 21 Suicide Support Group will not meet this month
July 23 Suicide Survivor’s ‘Butterfly Release’ @6:00 City Park
Duck Pond Pavilion
July 24 Friends of Faith 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 25 Support Group 5:30 @ the hospice office. MUST RSVP
July 27 Grief Support Breakfast @ 9:00 am @Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
July 29 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. (See attached flier)
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 6, 2017
June 2017
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 12: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. Come share lunch with others who have suffered a loss, and make a new friend.
June 13: Lunch Support Group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
June 15: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 p.m. at Mr. Lee’s. Must RSVP.
June 22: Breakfast Support Group @ 9 am at Patty’s Place in Caldwell.
June 26: Friends of Faith support group meets @ NOON @ Annie K’s
June 27: CANCELLED Support Group at 5:30 pm at the hospice office.
June 26-June 28: 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 24, 2017
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 2: Stepping Stones Workshop 6:00 pm @ Burkitt Hall Noble County Fairgrounds. RSVP to 740-432-7440
May 8: Lunch Bunch Support Group at Mr. Lee’s 12:00 noon.
May 9: Barnesville Lunch Bunch @ 12:00 pm @ Annie K’s
May 18: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group 6:00 pm at Lees RSVP
May 22: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
May 23: Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice office Must RSVP
May 25: 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