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]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🐕‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌    DOG OWNERS, a "daily" walk will help BOTH of you with "missing" your luv one. Yes, pets do "grieve" like we do.

And the "exercise" will aid with sleeping at nights.

*** A GREAT way to "connect" with OTHER dog owners & "possible" NEW friends.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Remember to "pat" YOURSELF on YOUR back "everytime" you do 1 step.

Why?

So many times WE donot realize that 1 step is COURAGE.

Courage to "pick" ourselves up after OUR world fell apart from OUR GRIEF.

You got this!!!

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💛‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

ABOUT OUR GROUP!!!

A MODERATED (AARP Moderator) "online" space to share stories, ask questions, and connect with other members who have experienced a loss.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌🗣‌‌‌   Maybe "reading" the posts in this AARP Grief & Loss Forum "may" help you! READING what OTHER grievers have POSTED has "helped" me with my journey of healing & creating a new life without my luv one.

Why does it "help"? ‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌

On those "sleepless" nights or mornings I CANNOT get out of bed - reading how OTHERS are doing "reminds" me I am NOT alone.

Thank you SO MUCH for "sharing" & keep stepping ‌‌‌👣‌‌‌ the "best" you can each day/night. EACH "step" brings us COMFORT & PEACE my friends. ‌‌‌👍‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌💛‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Finding STRENGTH in Your NEXT CHAPTER!!!

Healing from heartbreak does not mean forgetting your loss. It means learning to move forward in a way that HONORS what you have experienced while strengthening your ability to live fully. Grief changes us, but it can also deepen our empathy, STRENGTHEN our resilience, and help us rediscover what matters most.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🏡‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   The EXPERTS tell us to WAIT before making Housing Decisions!!!

Why?

While WE ARE GRIEVING, sometimes we tend to make "decisions" based on OUR EMOTIONS.

We want the "memories" to NOT hurt!!!

Maybe "step away" from YOUR Housing Setup & stay with family/friends.

Use THIS TIME to deal with the stuff that CANNOT WAIT.

Then REVISIT the Housing Topic.

Some of us stayed put & made changes.

Some of us downsized as finances had changed.

Some of us relocated to be near to family.

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU ALWAYS.

Grief  & Loss Team  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌📌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌     There will be GOOD & BAD days!!!

You may feel guilty or surprised for LAUGHING at a joke or ENJOYING a visit with a friend.

It is important to understand that these can be COMMON feelings.

*** OUR "emotions" are a part of OUR journey moving forward WHILE GRIEVING.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌➡️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌[*** PLAN AHEAD for grief “triggers".

Anniversaries, holidays, and important milestones can reawaken painful memories and feelings. BE PREPARED for an emotional wallop, and know that it’s completely normal. You can plan ahead by making sure that you’re not alone, for example, or by marking your loss in a creative way.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👋‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  GOOD Morning Everyone!!!

Another "day" for us to get out of bed, "believing" somehow WE WILL survive while grieving.

Stop by when you can to let us know how you are doing.

Remember to GET BACK UP everytime you fall (stay in bed,depressed,crying and so on).

EVERY TIME you do so = makes you a SURVIVOR.

Someone who "survived" a loss.

Someone who is "creating" a life without someone they cared about.

Keep "stepping" my friend.

I am "thinking" about YOU TODAY!!!

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💛‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌📌‌‌‌  Birthdays, anniversaries or holidays can trigger intense feelings of GRIEF.

It may help to mark these occasions with a SIMPLE CEREMONY like:

(1) Lighting a candle.

(2) Playing music.

(3) Gathering with family.

*** Do what brings you COMFORT!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌🕯‌‌   Expand While GRIEVING: Eventually, you will reach a point where you can imagine a future that brings you excitement and joy again. This involves growing into new dreams and finding meaning in your altered life trajectory. 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌     SIGNS from love ones we lost!!!

A source of COMFORT on those days/nights when we NEED IT.

(1) Timing: SIGNS often appear when they are most needed, such as on anniversaries, birthdays, or in moments of distress, according to a blogger at O'Connor Mortuary.

(2) Intuition: They are described as giving a sense of peace, love, or comfort, rather than fear.

(3) Directness: They often feel too specific to be coincidences, appearing personal to the relationship you shared.

*** When we get "quiet" (relax, meditate) & "believe" - they will contact us! ‌‌‌👍‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

GROUP DISCUSSION!!!

What is "comforting" you in the midst of YOUR grief?

‌➡️‌[*** While I still have my SAD days & nights, as I travel towards PEACE & COMFORT = I have "less" tears. I think I will ALWAYS have "tears" when I think about losing them but as EACH day & night "unfolds", I WELCOME it "trusting" somehow I will get through it. ‌👍‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌➡️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌[*** What is a Grief JAR?

A grief jar is a PHYSICAL CONTAINER, such as a jar, box, or vase, that you use to COLLECT and acknowledge your emotions during times of grief and loss. It serves as a REMINDER of your feelings and experiences, allowing you to connect, express and process your emotions safely and intentionally. This can give some COMFORT during an overwhelming time.

[1] Write Your Thoughts and Feelings:

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by emotions, take a moment to write down your thoughts and feelings on a small piece of paper. It could be a memory, a message to your loved one, or simply a reflection on your grief journey.

[2] Place Your Notes in the Jar:

Fold your notes and place them gently into your grief jar. Each note represents a piece of your heart and soul, allowing you to release and honor your emotions tangibly. You can revisit these notes whenever you feel the need to connect with your feelings.

[3] Visit Your Grief Jar as often as you can:

Try to make it a habit to check in with your grief jar regularly. Take time to reflect on your notes, acknowledge your emotions, and offer yourself compassion and understanding.

*** Of course YOU can "adjust" all of this to what works for YOU.

[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. ‌‌‌💛‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌