WE ARE SORRY for 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]

Allowing EMOTIONAL release: Cry, journal, talk, or use art to express feelings.

‌‌‌‌‌➡️‌‌‌‌‌[*** Sometimes we may feel we are on a Rollercoaster Ride. But like those rides, we will have "opportunities" to get off our ride. TREASURE those "opportunities" & know with time we will have MORE "peaceful" moments. ‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Rushing or Ignoring Grief: Do not try to "be strong" or force yourself to get over it quickly. Grief has no timeline, and suppressing it can make it resurface later in destructive ways.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Think in Cycles: Understand that grief is not linear. You may feel fine one day and terrible the next; this is normal, not a regression.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

ANTICIPATORY grief!

In this type of grief, you experience loss BEFORE it occurs. This can happen when you learn a loved one has a TERMINAL illness, for example.

*** My heart goes out to anyone dealing with this type of grief. In my opinion, next to an "unexpected" loss (like a car accident) - this is one of the WORST to deal with. ‌‌‌‌😞

[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]

👨‍👦‌   IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN, remember that they are grieving, too. It will take time for the whole family to adjust to life without your loved one. You may find that your relationship with your children and their relationships with each other have changed. OPEN, HONEST communication is important.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌💰‌‌‌‌   IT IS FREE!!!

Remember, LISTENING to someone costs ZERO and you have made that person feel wanted and cared for.

YES, we all receive the stuff that cost money (money, giftcards, flowers, condolence cards/notes) BUT I know how much being listened to has WARMED my insides!!!

So think of someone TODAY who may be NEEDING your ear...

Thanks,

Nicole ‌ ‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🕯‌‌   Consider COUNSELING: A therapist or grief counselor can provide professional guidance.

(1) Some of us attended Group Supports online or in person.

(2) While others preferred the "privacy" of Individual Counseling.

*** Choose what works for YOU!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

COPING Strategies!

(1) Support: Lean on friends, family, or support groups.

(2) Self-Care: Maintain a routine, eat healthily, and get rest.

(3) Professional Help: Seek counseling if grief feels overwhelming.

(4) 3 C's: Choose (to heal), Connect (with others), and Communicate (your needs).

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌⛈‌‌‌️‌‌‌☃️‌‌‌     Sometimes the WEATHER can "affect" OUR MOODS & having a Plan B, C and so on "in place" for those NOT NICE weather days & nights is wisdom. ‌‌‌‌‌‌👍‌‌‌‌‌‌

We can for example, go OUTSIDE and "dance" in the rain. Yes, being a kid again. ‌‌‌‌‌‌😉‌‌‌‌‌‌

Or light a fire & sip hot chocolate while we read.

Do whatever "uplifts" you on those DREARY rainy or cold days.

Luv,

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌💤‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😴‌‌‌   NOT Sleeping At Nights?

Try to "nap" during the day.

Why?

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

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[PaulW643687]

Would like to join this group husband passed away 2 months ago

[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  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[mc6844]

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.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Dear MC @mc6844 , you have stopped by over the YEARS to support us!!! Thank you SO MUCH 💛🤗

[mc6844]

Thank you! I care about you all too.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[.gif attached] I am ALWAYS here IF you need someone to chat with or just listen. Hang in there my friend!!!

[mc6844]

That's 🙂 nice! 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📎 [Tuesday 4/14/26]

So you have a birthday soon Joe @JoeJ415665 !!! Getting older does make us "wiser" about life in some cases. It took "retiring" for me to get things set up. Now I can RELAX & enjoy the rest of my time here.

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Grief Forum)

[JoeJ415665]

 Glad you can relax now and do good work!!!

Luv,

Joe

[JoeJ415665]

 That birthday thing just slipped out. 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪔   You might need to:

(1) Write a NEW will and UPDATE your advance care planning.

(2) Look into a durable power of attorney for legal matters and health care in case you are unable to make your own medical decisions in the future.

(3) Put JOINT property (such as a house or car) in your name.

(4) Consider changes you may need to make to your health insurance as well as to your life, car, and homeowner’s insurance.

(5) Make a list of BILLS you will need to pay in the next few months, for example, your rent or mortgage; utilities such as electricity, water, and phone and internet services; insurance; and state and federal taxes.

*** Try NOT to "stress" and take 1 step at a time!

[JoeJ415665]

 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.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📎 [Tuesday 4/14/26]

Lol, don't kick yourself too hard Joe @JoeJ415665 !!!

We all have "seasons" in our journey and like the weather "ours" change.

You will FINISH your book.

Sounds like a "change" just took place for you = getting back to YOUR book.

Yes, please stop by when you can dear friend.

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Grief Forum)

[JoeJ415665]

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

Joe

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📎 [Monday 4/13/26]

Dear Joe @JoeJ415665 , we are totally honored to have you with us.

Keep stopping by to see us.

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Grief Forum)

[JoeJ415665]

 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

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📎  [Monday 4/13/26]

Joe @JoeJ415665 , MC @mc6844 - please keep OUR Michelle @MichelleC103656 in your thoughts. OUR dear friend has just lost her 6-year old granddaughter.  😭

I just cannot understand WHY people CANNOT "slow down" - drive carefully.

My heart goes out to you Michelle.

And you know you have a place to be as needed. Yes, with us.

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Grief Forum)

[JoeJ415665]

 Thanks, Nicole for sharing.

I've already had a conversation with the BIG GUY.

Nothing tears at me more than innocence taken so young.

 Joe

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📎   SIGNS from love ones!

(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!