WE ARE SORRY about your loss 💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO ALL GRIEVERS NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN [years,days].

To participate, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your comment. Click on reply again.

Grief & Loss Team  🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💡‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Strategies and Tips for Grieving!

CONNECT with people.

WE may NOT be ready to "interact" with people = connect in a way that works for you.

(1) Maybe just "smiling" when we are out on errands. Some people may ignore us, but others will "smile" back.

(2) Reconnect with friends & family as you "feel" up to it. Maybe meet for coffee. This gets you out of your 4 walls. Yes, staying home feels safe for awhile.

You got this!!! ‌‌‌‌‌‌

Grief & Loss Team  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👖‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👕‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌     When YOU feel READY, go through your loved one’s clothes and other personal items.

(1) Instead of parting with everything at once, you might make three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one “not sure.” Ask your children or others to help.

(2) Think about setting aside items such as a special piece of clothing, watch, favorite book, or picture to give to your children or grandchildren as personal reminders of your loved one.

*** Do what feels right for you!!! ‌‌‌👍‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💤‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😴‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   NOT Sleeping At Nights?

Try to "nap" during the day.

Why?

Even a FEW MINUTES of "shut eye" will help with YOUR sadness. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Try NOT to "worry" on those SLEEPLESS NIGHTS. Just get up & find something to do. Then try again later.

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌📜‌‌‌‌‌   “It’s possible to go on, no matter how IMPOSSIBLE it seems, and that in time, the grief … LESSENS. It may not go away completely, but after a while, it’s not so overwhelming.” --- NICHOLAS SPARK.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   SOME of us have been MEMBERS of this group for YEARS.

Over the YEARS, we stop by "when we can" to SHARE and also to SUPPORT other members.

This group is NOT only about grief & loss - it is about ALL areas of our lives that have been "affected" by our loss.

Support that NEVER ends.

So stop by when you can to see us.

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌➡️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌[*** Members "helping" members. ***]‌‌‌‌‌‌‌⬅️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💡‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   A Suggestion!!!

Explore YOUR area to find spots that may bring you COMFORT.

Some of us DREAD the old familiar hangouts we had with our luv ones.

Maybe one day WE will be able to visit them WITHOUT tears. But until then, EACH day maybe "act" like a TOURIST.

SO MANY possibilities out there.

SO MANY new friends to meet.

You got this!!!  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole   ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   (Grief Forum)‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌📜‌‌‌   “People you love never die… Not completely. They live in your MIND, the way they always lived inside you. You keep their light ALIVE. If you remember them well enough, they can still GUIDE you, like the shine of long-extinguished stars could guide ships in unfamiliar waters.” — MATT HAIG.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌  On those days/nights when YOU wonder WHY you are still here???

*** YOU are still here for the folks who CARE ABOUT YOU (they are still alive)!!!

(1) So get out of bed EVERY DAY, hug them, tell them you CARE.

(2) This way when YOU ARE GONE, mixed in with THEIR GRIEVING will be GOOD MEMORIES.

(3) Parents [I am one] OUR KIDS [even adults] need their ONE PARENT - you.

Luv,

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪧   Stabilization While GRIEVING: In the early stages, focus on simple survival. Eat regularly, stay hydrated, and try to get enough rest. Do not rush to make major life changes, clear out belongings, or make hasty financial decisions. 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👋‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Group Members, stop by when you "feel" up to letting us know how you are doing. Our AARP Experts Amy @agoyer , Jane @JaneCares & OTHER members are here to "support" you (listen,chat,comfort). Our WELCOME MAT is "always" in front of our door for you guys. We are thinking about you TODAY/TONIGHT!

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪔   Explore While GRIEVING: When you feel ready, start experimenting with new experiences or routines without pressuring yourself. Treat this as a time to see what fits your new reality. 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌💰‌    Finances WHILE GRIEVING!!!

I don't know about you guys, but boy was I "blindsided" when I lost the luv of my life!!! ‌😱‌

We are used to TWO "handling" the finances, but got "bumped" to ONE.

(1) 1st, try NOT to panic. Easier said than done, I know!!!

(2) Deal with what needs to be done RIGHT NOW!!! Things like the cell phone bill, rent/mortgage, water, electric, internet - CALL them. Most will give you some "grace" with what you OWE or WILL OWE with the coming month.

(3) Let the folks who CARE about you KNOW what "financial" help you may need. A simple GIFTCARD or CASH to get groceries, gas, prescriptions are a lifeline.

(4) Then make a list of what is RELATED to "burying" or cremating your luv one. ALWAYS check to see what they may have. In my case I am paying on my FUTURE cremation. Started late at age 67, but glad I did. This way something is in place to "help" my only child.

(5) The main thing here is to have somewhere SAFE to live dear friend. No need to get "evicted" or foreclosed. So try NOT to wait to CONTACT the folks you OWE. Do this ASAP. ‌👍‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🔍‌     If you are looking for local, in-person support groups or specialized professionals, consider reaching out to your primary care provider for a local behavioral health referral. Or contact a nearby bereavement center, which frequently offers community grief support programs.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌📌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Make a MEMORY blanket, teddy or cushions out of YOUR loved ones’ clothes.

*** Something to "snuggle" up with on those "sleepless" nights or when the "tears" arrive. ‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🖥    AARP hosts FREE virtual GRIEF & LOSS WEBINARS that are open to both members and NON-members. These Zoom-based sessions focus on coping with grief overload, managing the guilt of loss, and end-of-life planning. You can explore and register for these upcoming discussions on the AARP events page.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌👴‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👵‌‌‌‌   Grieving in OLD AGE is uniquely challenging due to accumulated loss — often called BEREAVEMENT OVERLOAD. It’s a whole-body experience extending beyond losing loved ones to include grief over declining health, independence, and shifting identities. Isolation worsens this, making ACTIVE SELF-CARE, community connection, and PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT absolutely vital.

‌‌‌➡️‌‌‌[*** If you know a Senior who is "grieving", please CHECK on them daily. If you are a Senior who is GRIEVING, please "reach out" to let the CARING folks in your life KNOW you need them. My daughter CHECKS on me daily. ‌‌‌💛‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

AARP Grief Resources for Loved Ones of Deceased AARP Members!

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌➡️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌[*** FROM THE WEBSITE.

We're here to help!

(1) AARP extends our deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss. We have resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.

(2) To cancel or transfer the account, go to How To Notify AARP About a Deceased Member. They provide a link for this.

(3) USE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS ALL AARP INFO ON GRIEF!

*** Give it a little time to come up. NOT sure WHY it does this! ***

https://help.aarp.org/s/article/resources-for-loved-ones-of-deceased-members

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌📜‌   "When you experience LOSS, people say you’ll move through the 5 stages of grief.
(1) Denial, (2) Anger, (3)Bargaining, (4) Depression, (5) Acceptance.

What they don’t tell you is that you’ll CYCLE through them all every day." RANATA SUZUKI.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Stop by to SHARE YOUR JOURNEY!!!

WE will ALWAYS leave a comment in response to YOUR POST. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Sharing "may" HELP with our healing and "may" also HELP another griever who stops by = members supporting members.

*** They will KNOW there are OTHERS out there and "may" find YOUR solutions to YOUR grief works for them. Thank you for CARING about others. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪔   While GRIEVING, it's important to spend time with SUPPORTIVE people to:

(1) Talk about how you are feeling.

(2) Accept offers of help.

(3) Simply be together.

‌➡️‌[*** Your support may come from a Support Group or Counselor. Try to find people who UNDERSTAND you.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   What are YOU dealing with at THE MOMENT? ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

NEVER feel ashamed about any challenges you are facing.

WE ALL will have them at some point of our lives.

*** Stop by to SHARE when you feel up to it and/or SUPPORT another griever (with a comment to their post). Members helping members. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

We are ALWAYS here IF you need us (listen & chat & support).

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌💡‌‌‌  While GRIEVING, set a regular routine to do something SPECIAL for yourself every day.

You can try:

(1) Going for a walk.

(2) Meditating.

(3) Taking time to relax.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💛‌‌‌‌     Because you are GRIEVING you may "feel" unable to "reply" to (support) ANOTHER GRIEVER here in the AARP Grief & Loss Forum.

But doing so (replying) has helped ALL of OUR GROUP members "feel" more in control of THEIR GRIEF.

Why?

Maybe because being a GRIEVER themselves = they know what TO SAY = comforting someone else "fills" THEIR INSIDES with "feeling" they have HELPED someone.

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by when you can.

Grief & Loss Team!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌🕯‌‌‌  If you have lost someone, HONORING their memory may help you process your emotions.

You can try:

(1) Collecting photos or keepsakes.

(2) Writing a letter to the person who died.

(3) Sharing stories and rituals with loved ones.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

About the AARP Grief & Loss Forum!!!

A dedicated, public forum where members SHARE personal stories, find DAILY encouragement, and CONNECT with others navigating SIMILAR losses.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

LIVE IN THE MOMENT while grieving!!!

Right now is your chance to take 1 step towards MOVING FORWARD in "creating" a new life WITHOUT your luv one.

Yes, it hurts.

Yes, we maybe angry.

Yes, we have NO idea what the FUTURE holds for us as we travel through our GRIEF.

But RIGHT NOW, is an "opportunity" to either "give up" or continue to travel.

You got this my friend. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   WELCOME!!!

While WE cannot bring back YOUR luv one, we do UNDERSTAND. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Why?

We too have lost luv ones and together we have "muddled" through the best we can.

Our Welcome Mat is ALWAYS there for YOU my friend.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

✅️ OUR GROUP DISCUSSION!!!

What helps you on those SLEEPLESS nights? ‌🤔‌

‌👣‌   Keep stepping my friends = WE will get MORE SLEEP as time passes I promise.

‌➡️‌[*** Me, lighting an AROMATIC "Bath & Body Works" candle is one option.

Then "blow it out" when I BEGIN to feel sleepy.

I also GET OUT OF BED & find something to "read" or do (chores,AARP Rewards Activities).

Then CLIMB BACK INTO BED when I get "sleepy".

The MORNINGS are the "worst" after one of these nights IF I have to be somewhere.

It is like MY ALARM GOES OFF just when I start my zzz's.

Those mornings are a "test" of my determination to get things done IN SPITE of being TOTALLY EXHAUSTED.

Nicole ‌💛‌‌🤗‌

[RobertD381092]

I don't go to bed until I'm really "spent."  So I usually fall asleep fairly quickly.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

✅️  Robert @RobertD381092 thank you SO MUCH for "participating" in Our Group Discussion!!

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

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➡️[*** ROBERT @RobertD381092 wrote:

I don't go to bed until I'm really "spent."  So I usually fall asleep fairly quickly.

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