There are only a handful of experiences in life that can shake our world to its very foundation. The death of someone close to us is one of them. When I was sixteen years old, my dad unexpectedly committed suicide. I was shaken so profoundly by this trauma that no aspect of my life was left unaffected. Five years have passed, I am now twenty-one years old, and it remains the single most poignant, pervasive, devastating, and life-changing experience I believe I will ever endure. If you are reading this, it is probably because you, too, have lost someone close to you. Although no words I could write would ever be able to lessen the flood of emotions that comes in the aftermath of loss, I can say with certainty that you are not alone in your experience and that the comfort, support, safety, validation, and insight that comes from gathering together and sharing with those who have also experienced the loss of a loved one is one of your most powerful allies in navigating the trauma, hurt, anger, confusion, and isolation that so often emerge in the wake of loss. My Healing Circles grief support group created a safe space to facilitate this kind of open sharing and mutual support. I attended the group for two years after my dad’s death and, despite my initial apprehensions about being in a group like this, found it to be a place of comfort, sustenance, and saving grace through the darkest and most troubling period of my life. Grieving is not something anyone should have to do alone, and I sincerely hope that you will give some thought to being a part of a support group. I know from experience that you can contact HospiceCare at any time with questions, concerns, or just to talk.
Sincerely,
David
Healing Circles group participant