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]

‌‌📌‌‌     There will be GOOD & BAD days. You may feel guilty or surprised for laughing at a joke or enjoying a visit with a friend. It is important to understand that these can be common feelings.

*** OUR "emotions" are a part of OUR journey moving forward.

[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.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

INHIBITED grief!

This can happen when you don't take time to recognize or process your feelings of grief. It can lead to physical problems, such as panic attacks or trouble sleeping.

*** Counseling may help with this or just being surrounded by people who CARE. Grief is a "journey" and taking "1 step at a time" may help.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🕯‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   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.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌💡‌‌   Find healthy DISTRACTIONS: Engage in activities like reading, listening to music, volunteering, or light exercise.

*** WE "deserve" moments of peace and relaxation on OUR Healing Journey!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** Attachment] WE care about you!!!

[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]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💰‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   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]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌    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]

‌‌‌‌‌👥‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌    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]

📸[*** .gif attached] I luv getting these!!! 👍

[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]

‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌    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]

‌‌📌‌‌   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]

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]

🪧    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]

‌🎵‌‌‌🎶‌    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]

Dear MC @mc6844 , ALWAYS so good hearing from you my friend.

Yes, all WE can do is our "best" EACH day/night.

I am doing much better since my ankle is healed & I found another vehicle. I would NOT wish those 7 months on anyone = TOO MUCH time to think.

Luv,

Nicole  🤗💛

[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]

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]

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

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌🕯‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  DECISIONS that often cause people distress!!!

*** Please "take your time" with these decisions & deal with life the "best" YOU CAN. 💛🤗

(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.

[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]

‌‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌  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]

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.