Tree with Beige blooms (piglet quote, grief resources)

My last post had pictures of some powdered myrrh… and as I was cleaning up my desktop this morning, I thought I would post what I originally had planned for the beige and texture challenge – it was this beautiful tree that sits in the courtyard at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center.

In the early spring, this tree has beige blooms with texture that really dazzles:

 

I also want to share this song that I used to use for stretching in 2013.  It is more geared toward a younger generation -(ha)  but two years ago – this was my official “pause and stretch and get the kinks out” song….

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Lastly, a quick thank you for comments and emails regarding our neighbors sad losses  – thanks so much – truly ❤ and someone sent me this Winnie The Pooh quote, which reminded me of this interview I once saw with an old widow, who did not live near any of her children of grandchildren.

When asked if she was sad about being alone, she said,  something like, “Oh no! I’m not alone,  they do not have to be here to be with me”  – she touched her chest, smiled – and added, “they’re always with me… their love is all inside me and will never go away…”  and then they showed her room – which was filled with cards, photos, notes, etc. 

That always stuck with me – because while I do wish I lived closer to family (especially my mom right now – 🙂 ) and while I also really miss those that have passed away –

the truth is –

sometimes people are with us without being present –

“But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”

 

 

 Lastly, just FYI – some GRIEF recourses:

General Resources

The Grief Toolbox A website dedicated to helping people early in their grief journey to find the resources they need. Site includes a support group locator.

Modern Loss A website that encourages open and honest discussion about living with grief and loss at any stage during the process. The site includes a platform for sharing your story and columns that explore different aspects of grief and bereavement.

Losing a Spouse A resource that provides information and support for people that have lost a spouse.

Caring.com (800) 952-6650 A resource dedicated to those who seek information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. Caring.com’s Family Advisors provide customized support to help caregivers and seniors find the right senior care resources for every unique situation. Information on grief and loss includes dealing with a diagnosis, end-of-life care, and grieving a death.

Where to go for help in USA

National Organizations

Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) ADEC is one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations in the field of dying, death and bereavement. Its nearly 2,000 members include a wide array of mental and medical health personnel, educators, clergy, funeral directors and volunteers.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) AFSP is dedicated to bringing people together to prevent suicide, and to help heal the pain it causes. Resources for those bereaved by suicide include a support group locator, information on how find a therapist, and opportunities to get involved with the organization.

Open to Hope An online forum to support people who have experienced loss and to help them cope with their pain, heal their grief and invest in their future.

The Compassionate Friends TCF has about 660 chapters serving all 50 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members during the natural grieving process after a child has died. The Compassionate Friends also has a presence in more than 30 countries around the world.

National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) An organization committed to providing emotional support and assistance to parents and other survivors of homicide victims. There are more than 50 chapters across the United States that hold monthly support meetings, and provide advocacy and court accompaniment.

HealGrief.org A web-based organization, providing a platform offering bereaved individuals an opportunity to transition their grief into a healthy grief recovery. Users can create tributes to memorialize their loved one and share with family and friends.

National Alliance for Grieving Children A nationwide network of professionals and volunteers who share ideas, information and resources with each other to better support the grieving children and families they serve. The NAGC offers online education, hosts an annual symposium on children’s grief, maintains a national database of children’s bereavement support programs and promotes national awareness to enhance public sensitivity to the issues impacting grieving children and teens.

Where to go for help in UK

CRUSE Bereavement Care
The national telephone helpline 0844 477 9400 is open for calls from 9.30am to 5pm working days, and until 7pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, answered mainly by a team of trained volunteers.  They have a lot of information available to them and will give information about benefits, listen to your story and give you information about Cruse locally where you live.

The Compassionate Friends UK
National Helpline 0845 123 2304 is available for support and information daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm and 7.00pm to 10.00pm.  The line is always answered by a bereaved parent. TCF is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support of and care of other bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child / children.

Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish national helpline 08452 030405 offers support, information and guidance to all those caring for a child or young person who has been bereaved.

The WAY Foundation
WAY aims to support young widowed men and women as they adjust to life after the death of their partner – whether that was a month, a year, or ten years ago.
Tel: 0300 012 4929, email: info@wayfoundation.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
Exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.  SOBS is a self-help organisation.  Many of our volunteers have themselves been bereaved by suicide.
National Helpline – 0844 561 6855 9am to 9pm every day.

Find out more about the contributors to this article and the Division of Counselling Psychology.

Some useful books

The 8 Keys to Trauma Recovery by Babette Rothschild
Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss by Hope Edelman
Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery and Growth Through Grief by Judy Tatelbaum
Overcoming Grief by Sue Morris
Living on the Seabed: A Memoir of Love, Life and Survival by Lindsay Nicholson
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis