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]

📸[*** Attachment] Something "special" for TODAY!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌👋   Monthly "Online" WELLNESS CHECKS!!!

[1] WE check on Group Members on the 1st of EACH month.

[2] WE do "understand" that there are days or nights WE donot feel like "chatting". That is part of OUR JOURNEY to "creating" a life without the person WE lost. ‌‌😭‌‌

[3] That is OKAY. Stop by when you do. OUR WELCOME MAT IS ALWAYS OUTSIDE OUR DOOR.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌🤗‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌♻️‌‌   Feeling LONELY with the passing of someone you CARED about?

(1) WE are ALWAYS here to "listen".

(2) Different TIME ZONES means someone is "available" 24/7.

(3) And our AARP Experts Amy @agoyer & Jane @JaneCares have SUPPORTED us throughout the years.

Have a QUESTION for them - ask away!!!

(4) Keep in mind Group Members have "experienced" loss too = WE UNDERSTAND & SUPPORT EACH GROUP MEMBER.

Grief & Loss Team  ‌‌🤗‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

MEN and Grief: Research shows men may suffer more intensely after losing a spouse, often requiring specific outreach and support.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Find "Listening Posts": Seek out PATIENT friends or support groups who allow you to talk without trying to "fix" your pain.

[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. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[NonieS198048]

I am approaching 84. Six months ago I lost my oldest son. Since then, I have done some brief support groups. I was in good health on my age. But all of a sudden, I am faced with a cluster of disturbing physical conditions. I feel like a century since my son died. I want to be in a group to just talk about it.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Sunday 5/17/26]

Dear Nonie @NonieS198048 , I am so sorry about your loss!!!

We are here ALWAYS, so "talk" away.

Personally, I feel OUR GRIEF is a "life long" journey. One in which we have days/nights of being able to COPE. Others, not.

I am sending our TWO "awesome" AARP Experts Jane @JaneCares & Amy @agoyer a copy of your post. They have "supported" the AARP Grief & Loss Forum for years. They too have lost loved ones and know how it feels.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗  (Grief Forum)

---

➡️[*** NONIE @NonieS198048 wrote:

I am approaching 84. Six months ago I lost my oldest son. Since then, I have done some brief support groups. I was in good health on my age. But all of a sudden, I am faced with a cluster of disturbing physical conditions. I feel like a century since my son died. I want to be in a group to just talk about it.

---

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📜    "We start ADAPTING to our new identity, our new life. I’m NOT saying the battle is over and here’s the new me. But a little at a time, we take on these CHANGES that give us more clarity of this new life."  FRANK COMPARATO

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] YOU are in OUR thoughts!

[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.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌ ‌‌‌🤗‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪔  On those days/nights when NOTHING brings you COMFORT, ask your HIGHER POWER (God, Universe, something else) for help. Then "trust" that this help will arrive! Grieving is a journey, not a destination & you are going to survive. One step at a time my friend. Nicole 💛🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

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

[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.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Guess what? ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

WE made it through ANOTHER day/night!!!

And yes, maybe a little bruised but WE DID IT. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌🏡‌‌‌‌   Being ALONE can also increase concerns about SAFETY. It’s a good idea to ensure there are working locks on the doors and windows.

*** You can also ASK your neighbors to keep an eye out. I miss the old days when neighbors looked out for each other. Now, with so many of us moving out of our houses (move in with family), we are losing that neighborhood connection it seems in our lives.

[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]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💡‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   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]

📸[*** Attachment] YOU are in OUR thoughts!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌♻️‌‌    Stop by when YOU CAN to ENCOURAGE OTHERS (respond to THEIR POST) or ASK FOR SOME encouragement for YOURSELF.

WE ALL have days/nights when we need this!!!

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌🤗‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌❌‌‌‌️   Myth:

The pain will go away faster if you IGNORE it.

‌‌‌✅‌‌‌️   Fact:

Trying to IGNORE your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For REAL HEALING, it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] Sending these YOUR way!!!

[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]

‌📌‌   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]

‌‌‌👣‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   ONE STEP may mean making sure YOU EAT today/tonight.

Sometimes OUR interest in food is gone along with the energy to face EACH day/night. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

*** Try "snacking & sipping water" IF you are NOT able to consume a regular meal. Doing this "several" times during the day/night will help to keep you hydrated & well.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌👴‌‌‌‌‌‌👵‌‌‌   GRIEF in your 60s (and OLDER) often involves MULTIPLE losses. It may trigger depression or isolation, often mistaken for normal aging. COPING involves seeking support, finding NEW meaning, and maintaining CONNECTIONS.

*** Try to reach out to people who CARE about you. Let them know how YOU are "feeling". Maybe "join" activities at your local Senior Center. Or volunteer with animals.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

OUR LIFE SEASONS [a time of changes]!!!

Just like the WEATHER has seasons, so do WE.

(1) There is a season to lay low & heal WHILE we "recover" from OUR LOSS. Yes, a VERY ROUGH season indeed.

(2) There is a season to "maybe" WELCOME our NEW life = accepting our loss & figuring out things. WE all have "different" times in the LAY LOW season. NEVER feel "guilty" for taking YOUR TIME with all this.

(3) There is a season I guess we can call it one where WE ARE FINALLY "smiling" again. Oh yes, that will happen when WE least expect it. Yes, WE will still have our "tears" but with TIME, we will be ABLE to find some PEACE in the midst of our grieving.

(4) Last season, I guess it is one where we are PACKING UP OUR OLD LIFE after making sure it is the right time to do so. WE always "need" to make sure WE are "moving on" in a way that WORKS FOR US. That may involve saying "goodbye" to an area we have loved and had MANY years in. Sometimes MOVING "closer" to OUR "support" (family) is what is best. On the other hand, some of us "choose" to STAY PUT. The important thing is to do things YOUR WAY.

Grief & Loss Team   ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌‌‌ ‌  REMEMBER - on those days/nights when YOU wonder WHY you are still here???

*** YOU are still here for the folks who CARE ABOUT YOU!!!

(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]

‌‌‌💡‌‌‌   PARENTS!

For those of us who are parenting on OUR OWN, remember no matter how old our children are - THEY NEED US.

So take care of yourself (medical appointments, sleep, eat, hydrate and so on) FOR THEM. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)