Posted on January 10, 2013
Losing a loved one is terribly painful. Even though we all know that some day we will all leave this world, when a loved one dies, it can be very difficult to accept. We dearly miss those who have left us: our parents, spouses, children, friends, and more. Too often, in times of death, survivors feel isolated, alone in their grief. In our mourning we all feel alone in talking with our loved ones, keeping the old clothes, helping others through holidays and family events, and even assisting some with just getting up in the morning. For those in grief, knowing that others cope in similar ways can bring some measure of comfort. At least it can lessen the loneliness that accompanies great loss. As Jews, we pray for strength and hope from God that the next day will be better than the present one, and we seek the comfort of community to help us make it through the week.
During the past couple of years, we have had a grief support group meeting twice a month thanks to our TBD Foundation. We are grateful once again to the TBD foundation for a grant to continue our group this year. Facilitated by social worker Christine Goldman, our participants share their experiences and try to grow stronger through them. All are welcome to attend any session or all of them if they choose. You can, in essence, just drop in and see if it is helpful to you. Here are some of the responses of our participants as to why our support group is helpful.
“Grieving is a long, difficult road, but we don’t have to make the journey alone. The grief support group is a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to express our thoughts and feelings, experience our own emotions, and share our steps with others traveling on similar paths.“
Anne Katz
“Having a grief support group has helped me to understand the healing process by being an active participant. It will help you with the process of getting what’s on the inside out. Remembering may be painful. It can also be heartwarming. Now it is your turn to learn and, in time, give back to others. Understanding your grief will give you peace and blessings for a successful healing journey.”
Millie Vogel
“I can talk to my kids and it’s fine, but fortunately they don’t really understand. The grief support group is good because I can talk to people in the same boat. Sometimes you get some good suggestions. It feels good to be there. Our facilitator Chris is very compassionate. You can say and feel anything and it’s okay.”
Eve Turkheimer
Our meetings this winter and spring are on Tuesday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. on January 8 & 22, February 5 & 19, March 12, April 9 & 23, May 7 & 21. We would love to welcome you to one of our sessions.