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]

‌♻️‌   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]

🎵‌🎶 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]

Everyone’s experience is unique. The so-called stages aren’t linear; we may move from anger to denial and back again before fully moving forward.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

There’s no timetable for grief … but the more you can talk about your loss, the more you’ll be able to process it and move forward.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] WE care about YOU!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌♻️‌   "Online" SUPPORT for your journey - before you bury your luv one & after. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

SO MANY decisions to be made!!!

Let us help you through all of this = WE ALSO lost someone we cared about.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌

[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]

‌‌‌🐕‌‌‌‌‌    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]

‌🚗‌‌🚘‌    Driving Safety Risks WHILE GRIEVING!!!

*** When you can, get a RIDE until things settle down for you.

(1) Reduced REACTION Time: Similar to driving intoxicated, grief impairs your ability to react to hazards, making "near misses" or accidents more likely.

(2) Distraction & Disassociation: You may "zone out," forget where you are, or become overwhelmed, leading to missed stop signs or lane drifting.

(3) Sudden EMOTIONAL Surges: Triggers, such as songs or reminders of the deceased, can cause sudden, intense crying that blurs vision and impairs focus.

(4) Physical FATIGUE: Intense loss can cause severe exhaustion, reducing alertness.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] Sending a HUG your way my friend 🤗💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌    A place to share and support EACH OTHER with comments. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

What is going on in YOUR LIFE? ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

WE share OUR JOURNEY while grieving & after grieving. Some of us are still grieving AFTER losing our luv one(s) YEARS AGO. Grief has NO schedule & TOGETHER we will make it. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💛‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Some days we have a "chuckle" at what a member posts.

Some days "tears" are in our eyes.

Other days we are doing a HAPPY DANCE WITH THEM as they get STRONGER on their journey.

YOU got this.   ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Grief & Loss Team   ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[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. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

HOLIDAY Grief: Tips for managing grief during holidays include giving yourself permission to skip traditions and accepting your feelings.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

CAREGIVER Grief: Resources are available for caregivers dealing with "ambiguous loss"—the emotional pain of losing a loved one's presence while still caring for them.

[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.

[agoyer]

@NonieS198048 

 I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't image how it must feel to lose your son right now. It's a shock and it must feel like your safety net has been pulled away in some ways. The grief and missing him is so intense I'm sure. Grief is hard on us on every level - mentally, physically, emotionally. And it affects our health. That may be a factor in terms of our recent challenges with multiple physcal conditions. 

I'm glad to hear you've done some brief stints in grief support, and I agree it could be extremely helpful for you to be in an ongoing group to to get support and and be able to talk about what you're going through. 

Unfortunately, AARP doesn't currently offer a grief support group - just the online grief community here on the AARP Online Community. But I think a virtual or in person group could be marvelous for you. 

Now - to find one...here are a few options off the top of my head...

• I am currently coordinating virtual AARP caregiver support groups and we are using a platform called HeyPeers. I did a search and they have a number of grief and bereavement support groups. You can find them listed here: https://www.heypeers.com/meetings. On the right side of the screen, you'll see categories. Check the box for "Grief and Loss" and then it will filter all the groups for those that offer grief support. they are offered (free I think - at least some of them) and you can subscribe and register for them there by clicking on a specific group meeting then you will be able to sign up for multipe meetings. these meetings are virtual - so you'll need to use your computer or smartphone.But I have found that the virtual groups are incredibly helpul and effective .
• Another virtual option are groups offered by Duet - an organization in Phoenix, Arizona but they are open to people across the country. I have personal experience with this organizaion and have observed their groups and they are good quality. Here is the link: https://duetaz.org/support-groups/ (they are geared for people who have formerly been caregivers for loved ones). 
• There is an organization called GriefShare. they do virtual and in person support groups. They work with a network of faith-based organizations across the country to "host" the meetings, but my understanding is tthat you need not be a member of a specific faith group to participate. it is a multiple week program. I know people who have attended and found it helpful. https://www.griefshare.org/?srsltid=AfmBOor1cPdC8AwLfOVidaDduZDCXEr9gUpWpJYmFAnaGkfzTpjzPyjv
• Last option I want to share is to contact a local hospice organization and/or funeral home and ask if they have a list of local grief support groups. They often have a list of organizations you can contact. 

Also please be aware there is a section of the AARP website with Grief and Loss resources and articles that might be helpful to you at: www.AARP.org/griefandloss 

I hope between all of these options you can find a good fit for you. 

Please let me know how else I can be helpful! My heart goes out to you. there are caring people out there who can support and helpful. We juist need to get you connected. Isolation is bad for your health - not just mental health - physical health too. Let's get you connected! 

One day at a time. 😍

Take care,

Amy  

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Thank you SO MUCH AARP Expert Amy @agoyer for stopping by to "support" OUR Nonie @NonieS198048 !!!

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Grief Forum)

---

➡️[*** AMY @agoyer wrote:

@NonieS198048 

 I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't image how it must feel to lose your son right now. It's a shock and it must feel like your safety net has been pulled away in some ways. The grief and missing him is so intense I'm sure. Grief is hard on us on every level - mentally, physically, emotionally. And it affects our health. That may be a factor in terms of our recent challenges with multiple physcal conditions. 

I'm glad to hear you've done some brief stints in grief support, and I agree it could be extremely helpful for you to be in an ongoing group to to get support and and be able to talk about what you're going through. 

Unfortunately, AARP doesn't currently offer a grief support group - just the online grief community here on the AARP Online Community. But I think a virtual or in person group could be marvelous for you. 

Now - to find one...here are a few options off the top of my head...

• I am currently coordinating virtual AARP caregiver support groups and we are using a platform called HeyPeers. I did a search and they have a number of grief and bereavement support groups. You can find them listed here: https://www.heypeers.com/meetings. On the right side of the screen, you'll see categories. Check the box for "Grief and Loss" and then it will filter all the groups for those that offer grief support. they are offered (free I think - at least some of them) and you can subscribe and register for them there by clicking on a specific group meeting then you will be able to sign up for multipe meetings. these meetings are virtual - so you'll need to use your computer or smartphone.But I have found that the virtual groups are incredibly helpul and effective .
• Another virtual option are groups offered by Duet - an organization in Phoenix, Arizona but they are open to people across the country. I have personal experience with this organizaion and have observed their groups and they are good quality. Here is the link: https://duetaz.org/support-groups/ (they are geared for people who have formerly been caregivers for loved ones). 
• There is an organization called GriefShare. they do virtual and in person support groups. They work with a network of faith-based organizations across the country to "host" the meetings, but my understanding is tthat you need not be a member of a specific faith group to participate. it is a multiple week program. I know people who have attended and found it helpful. https://www.griefshare.org/?srsltid=AfmBOor1cPdC8AwLfOVidaDduZDCXEr9gUpWpJYmFAnaGkfzTpjzPyjv
• Last option I want to share is to contact a local hospice organization and/or funeral home and ask if they have a list of local grief support groups. They often have a list of organizations you can contact. 

Also please be aware there is a section of the AARP website with Grief and Loss resources and articles that might be helpful to you at: www.AARP.org/griefandloss 

I hope between all of these options you can find a good fit for you. 

Please let me know how else I can be helpful! My heart goes out to you. there are caring people out there who can support and helpful. We juist need to get you connected. Isolation is bad for your health - not just mental health - physical health too. Let's get you connected! 

One day at a time. 😍

Take care,

Amy  

---

[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 💛🤗