WE ARE SORRY about your loss 💛

Nicole, it's not just U.S. families, but citizens around the world who have lost loved ones/family... It needs to recognized that others are being lost every day to wars, many recent, with our U.S. hands involved...

5th generation military family here...

denese

@NonieS198048 

 I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't image how it must feel to lose your son right now. It's a shock and it must feel like your safety net has been pulled away in some ways. The grief and missing him is so intense I'm sure. Grief is hard on us on every level - mentally, physically, emotionally. And it affects our health. That may be a factor in terms of our recent challenges with multiple physcal conditions. 

I'm glad to hear you've done some brief stints in grief support, and I agree it could be extremely helpful for you to be in an ongoing group to to get support and and be able to talk about what you're going through. 

Unfortunately, AARP doesn't currently offer a grief support group - just the online grief community here on the AARP Online Community. But I think a virtual or in person group could be marvelous for you. 

Now - to find one...here are a few options off the top of my head...

• I am currently coordinating virtual AARP caregiver support groups and we are using a platform called HeyPeers. I did a search and they have a number of grief and bereavement support groups. You can find them listed here: https://www.heypeers.com/meetings. On the right side of the screen, you'll see categories. Check the box for "Grief and Loss" and then it will filter all the groups for those that offer grief support. they are offered (free I think - at least some of them) and you can subscribe and register for them there by clicking on a specific group meeting then you will be able to sign up for multipe meetings. these meetings are virtual - so you'll need to use your computer or smartphone.But I have found that the virtual groups are incredibly helpul and effective .
• Another virtual option are groups offered by Duet - an organization in Phoenix, Arizona but they are open to people across the country. I have personal experience with this organizaion and have observed their groups and they are good quality. Here is the link: https://duetaz.org/support-groups/ (they are geared for people who have formerly been caregivers for loved ones). 
• There is an organization called GriefShare. they do virtual and in person support groups. They work with a network of faith-based organizations across the country to "host" the meetings, but my understanding is tthat you need not be a member of a specific faith group to participate. it is a multiple week program. I know people who have attended and found it helpful. https://www.griefshare.org/?srsltid=AfmBOor1cPdC8AwLfOVidaDduZDCXEr9gUpWpJYmFAnaGkfzTpjzPyjv
• Last option I want to share is to contact a local hospice organization and/or funeral home and ask if they have a list of local grief support groups. They often have a list of organizations you can contact. 

Also please be aware there is a section of the AARP website with Grief and Loss resources and articles that might be helpful to you at: www.AARP.org/griefandloss 

I hope between all of these options you can find a good fit for you. 

Please let me know how else I can be helpful! My heart goes out to you. there are caring people out there who can support and helpful. We juist need to get you connected. Isolation is bad for your health - not just mental health - physical health too. Let's get you connected! 

One day at a time. 😍

Take care,

Amy  

[6/30/26] Dear Paul @PaulW643687 , WE hope you will stop by AGAIN to see us!!!

Grief & Loss Team ‌🤗‌ 

I am back here at this wonderful group. It's been 3 yrs for me. I've been wanting to move. Except don't feel physically up to it. I'm looking into other options. I remember everyone from the group and hope both old and new are finding hope and help. Thank you for all your support along the way. It's easy to drop in here, no appointments etc.

Thank you! I care about you all too.

That's 🙂 nice! 

 That birthday thing just slipped out. 

 Good advice, as always, Nicole!!

In the past two years I made a new will, executor, power of attorney for both personal and medical situations. I even created my obituary because no one knows my life better than me (sad to say). I'm 78 and will be 79 in 13 days. It's never too early to plan. You can enter the pearly gates worry free and those left behind will thank you.

 I'll try to limit the kicking; however, my butt is pretty sore now. 😉

Joe

 Good morning, Nicole,

Thanks for the kind words. I can't remember the last time, if ever, I was considered "honored".

I will stop by from time-to-time. At present I'm kicking myself for being delinquent in completing my first children's book. 0ver 140 pages containing over 21,000 words. Not a toddler's book.

Take care, hear from me soon!!

 Luv,

Joe