Widows & Widowers Support Group

This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.

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praised 02/15/2014

Today I attended the grief support group at our church and came away empty. The subject was "Multiple Losses." First of all, I was there for support in the death of my husband six months ago. The input from some of the people went on and on and they told of their losses, some even went back to 1998 of all the people that they had lost. I felt sorry for the new ones who had just lost loved ones and after awhile, felt left out. How can it make them feel better. One first time person just lost her daughter, 22 years old of Cancer in December. She introduced herself and told her story, but then it was over for her. I am going to try a support group next month at another church to see what their format is like. Thank God for Daily Strength. So much information and so comforting to be with people who know what you're going through and are there to encourage you.

sandeestttn 02/15/2014

Have you tried a Hospice support group? The one I went to, said I was too young to get any help in their group. Even though I am 64, And was married 49 years. everyone else was in their 75-87 age group.

asarivg12 02/15/2014

Those support groups can be useful, but not to everyone. I attended a group run my the hospice folks that took care of my wife. I only lasted two sessions because I did not get any benefit from it. However there were some people in that group that had been there for a year.

The group was comprised of about six to eight people, all who had lost their spouse within the last year. It was similar to DS but we have a lot more people here and it's easier to find someone similar to yourself. That and we have more fun here :)

Bob

praised 02/15/2014

I love Daily Strength because it is specifically for Widows/Widowers. I can relate to those who have other members who have passed away. I lost my Mother, Father, Brother and a baby. But today I was there because of my husband. The facilitator allowed them to talk much too long on each one of the people they had lost, even back to their childhood. I have been spoiled by DS because I am given what I need to move forward. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

cliffskat 02/15/2014

I think the loss of a spouse is a different kind of loss, and a general grief group will only do so much good. I believe it is important to be in a group - online or elsewhere - that is dealing with that specific loss. I also feel the same way about the loss of a child - losing anyone else in your life cannot comnpare. I feel badly for the lady who lost her daughter - I doubt that group will help her, either.

I am glad you are finding DS helpful. :)

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Shrn 02/15/2014

Although DS has been my raft in the storm since losing my husband I found the hospice group also helpful. The group was all around the same age and new widows so that helped and we (8 of us) all lost our spouses under hospice care, so we blended easily. It was 6 years ago
we met and I am still in contact with one and was with another older woman who has also passed away just a year ago.

I think it depends on the group make up and the facilitator. Ours just worked out. The good thing here like was mentioned, we can easily find someone to relate to and it's available at all hours. Sharon

marysch 02/15/2014

My experience has not been all that good either. I go weekly to a hospice group and each person gets about ten minutes. But some take a bit longer and seem to be the ones that always speak. I feel somewhat left out. I am going to start a one on one later this week as I want discuss things I don't want to say in a group and I want more personal attention. I get much more here in comfort and feeling a sense of understanding as we all get it. Plus I can come here anytime any day.

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