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]

📸[*** .gif attached] Just in case YOU need one, WE are sending one YOUR way 🤗💛

[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]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💡‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   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]

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]

📸[*** Attachment] Sending a HUG your way my friend 🤗💛

[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]

‌‌‌‌👣‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   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]

‌➡️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌[*** 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]

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

[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]

‌👨‍👦‌‌   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]

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

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Yes, YOU posted when YOU 1st lost someone YOU cared about.

But WE would luv to "hear" from you AGAIN!!!

OUR GROUP is about OUR journeys as WE "figure" out our NEXT step.

Sometimes WE stop by to SHARE some good news or a decision WE finally made.

And it is ALWAYS awesome when "Members Support Members" = YOU KNOW how you felt when you first lost someone. Thank you SO MUCH for our "supporters". There is something SPECIAL when we support others in the midst of OUR GRIEF.

So stop by, say hi and let us know how you are doing. WE are "family" here.

Grief  & Loss Team  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 

[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)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

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

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   WELCOME!!!

While WE cannot bring back YOUR luv one, we do UNDERSTAND. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Why?

We too have lost luv ones and together we have "muddled" through the best we can.

Our Welcome Mat is ALWAYS there for YOU my friend.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌📌‌‌   It CHANGES You: Grief may alter your perspective on life, priorities, and beliefs.

*** Sometimes it "reminds" us to make time for the people we CARE about TODAY. Tomorrow is NOT "promised" to any of us.

[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] YOU are in OUR thoughts!

[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.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌

[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]

🪔    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]

Give yourself permission to not be okay.

You are allowed to crumble.

You are allowed to feel lost, broken, or incomplete. You are allowed to have days when you can’t show up, when you cancel plans, when you stop pretending you’re fine.

This is a tender season. You don’t have to rush through it or prove how strong you are.

You can simply be. Resting, grieving, pausing, surviving. That, in itself, is an act of COURAGE.