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]

🪔   Choose!

Making intentional choices during grief allows YOU to navigate YOUR emotions and regain a sense of CONTROL over YOUR life. This might mean choosing to engage in activities that promote YOUR well-being or deciding to take a step back from certain social engagements that feel overwhelming.

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‌‌‌‌🕯‌‌‌‌   Try one of the SUGGESTIONS below:

(1) ONLINE support groups. Many online forums or support groups online are free and can help offer support from the home.

(2) ONLINE therapy or counseling sessions. If you’re looking for a therapist or counselor to address your grief or loss, many offer online sessions that you can attend from your home.

(3) SUPPORT books. Books can be a great way to understand grief and sorrow, and they can provide tips to help overcome these feelings. Check your local library or ask a librarian for recommendations.

(4) COMMUNITY resources. Some communities offer grief and loss counseling or resources. Check with your local community center, senior center, faith community, or hospital to learn about what they offer.

*** You may NOT be ready to "talk" at first. But it is always nice to know what is out there when you are READY.

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BY JENNIFER HALL. 📸[*** Attachment] Before Mark died, I would see things like this shared and think, "oh that's nice". Now I GET it. It's not about canonizing the dead person. But you must remember, you must talk about them. Because they were human and you loved them and they mattered.

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👣   WE will always miss them but as WE MOVE FORWARD there will be less tears and more smiles when WE think of them. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

*** So keep "stepping" to feel BETTER!

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📸[***attachment] SHARED by an anonymous source, this inspirational quote about grieving shines the light on the continued love for those who have sadly passed. The loss of YOUR beloved will be difficult. Yet they will continue to stand by YOU and watch over YOU. This is highly comforting for individuals who are grieving.

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‌‌‌‌💰‌‌‌‌   Find LOW-COST OR FREE mental health services!

(1) MEDICARE does offer FREE "monthly" sessions IF "referred" by your Primary Care Physician.

(2) Some mental health professionals may offer a "sliding-fee scale," meaning what you pay will be based on your income.

(3) When you call to make an appointment, ask if they offer a sliding-fee scale or a low-cost option.

(4) You can also ask if they offer a payment plan to help you spread out the costs over time.

*** Sometimes a church may offer support during and after the burial of your luv one. Ask them what options are available to members and non-members.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌👥‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌    It is OKAY to "hide" on those days/nights when YOU FEEL unable to deal with people.

With time YOU WILL be able to get out, spend time with family/friends.

Just let THEM KNOW and those who REALLY CARE will "respect" this much needed "time away" = they will still REACH OUT, but with NO pressure to see them (or talk to them).

I luv those THINKING ABOUT YOU texts from caring folks in my life. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole   ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   (Grief Forum)‌‌

[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]

🪧   Try to maintain YOUR hobbies and interests.

There’s comfort in routine and getting back to the activities that bring you joy and connect you closer to others can help you come to terms with your loss and aid the grieving process.

*** Maybe try something NEW.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** Attachment] TEND Something...

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♻️   Feeling LONELY with the passing of someone you CARED about = we are ALWAYS here to "listen". Different TIME ZONES means someone is "available" 24/7. And our AARP Experts Amy @agoyer & Jane @JaneCares have SUPPORTED us throughout the years. Have a QUESTION for them - ask away!!! Keep in mind Group Members have "experienced" loss too. Grief & Loss Team  🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌🤗‌   SIGNS from love ones!

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]

❌‌️   Myth:

Moving on with your life means FORGETTING about your loss.

‌✅‌️   Fact:

Moving on means you’ve ACCEPT your loss—but that’s not the same as forgetting. You can move on with your life and keep the memory of someone or something you lost as an important part of you. In fact, as we move through life, these memories can become more and

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[.gif attached] On SOME days/nights, these help!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📍‌  Make a SCRAPBOOK containing all your treasured memories. Include photos, ticket stubs, hair accessories, receipts, cards, recipes, notes with their handwriting on it, all the things that captures the essence of your loved one that you cannot part with.

*** An excellent way for "future" generations to learn about your luv one. ‌

[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]

📸[.gif attached] Right now your world feels EMPTY without your luved one. But you got this my friend!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🎵‌🎶   Compile a list of YOUR loved ones’ favorite songs or music. Include songs that evoke happy memories and songs that soothe YOU and bring you COMFORT.

*** An excellent way to "relax" or "exercise".

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🐈‌‌‌    CAT OWNERS, our babies are "missing" our luv one just as much as we are.

So try to make some EXTRA time to "cuddle" with them.

TOGETHER you will BOTH "move" forward the best you can.

*** Mister, my cat along with my "only" child (a daughter in a different state from me) are MY REASONS for "creating" ways to MOVE FORWARD. Find yours!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🐕‌‌‌    Taking YOUR DOG for a "daily" walk will help BOTH of you with "missing" your luv one.

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

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

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Chatting & sharing with OTHERS does help us with OUR HEALING. ‌ 🤗‌‌🤗‌‌🤗‌ STOP BY to see us!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] Keep stepping to feel BETTER!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

At what AGE is grief the hardest? Children under 5 years old!

‌➡️‌[*** Children under the age of five will NOT understand the finality of death. Very young children often think that death is reversible and that their person who died CAN COME BACK.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌🕯‌‌‌‌  DECISIONS that often cause people distress include:

(1) When to sort through their loved one's belongings.

(2) Whether or not to take off their wedding ring.

(3) When to return to work.

(4) How often to visit the cemetery.

(5) Whether or not to sell or move.

*** Take your time with decisions. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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📸[*** Attachment] Stay Safe...

[SummerOnTheWay1]

💡  SELF FORGIVENESS!!!

There are times on OUR JOURNEY that we may have "regrets" about things we "should" have done while our luv one was still with us.

Or "words" we NOW regret that was said to them.

*** Try to FORGIVE YOURSELF = your luv one has. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌📌‌‌‌‌   Healing will come as you turn to a HIGHER POWER who has YOUR back.

*** Whatever you consider to be YOUR Higher Power. Some may say God. Or the Universe. Or something else. ‌ ‌‌

1. Take time today to get quiet and connect. Focus on your breathing.

2. Let yourself soak in Divine Peace. Give over all the fears.

3. Ask questions in a positive way:

"What will it take for me to.....?"

"How can I solve this in the best way?"

"Who can help me figure this out?"

4. Pay attention and take action.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌📜‌   “Sometimes all you can do is lie in bed and hope to fall asleep before you fall apart.” WILLIAM C. HANNAN.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] WE are sending these YOUR way!

[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 ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌