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.
I am envious of those folks who are so close in proximity that they can get together for a week-end or even maybe a meal. Are there any of you who live in north Florida or south Georgia? I am interested in maybe getting together like the others do. If you are out there and are interested, would you please post? Thanks!
When I hosted the Ohio Gathering:
1. I contacted a conveniently located motel and chose a date and asked for a special price for a block of "x amount of rooms" (depending upon how many showed serious interest in attending). I added a few extra rooms for those who decided late in the game to attend. I kept checking back with the motel (about 3 times) to see how many rooms had been filled. By the last few days, they called to cancel any rooms that were not reserved.
2. I gave the motel a code name so that when the DSer called to make reservations, all they had to do was give the special code name to receive the reduced price.
3. I did not financially secure the rooms; that was the responsibility of the attendee.
4. Since my house was close to the motel, I had everyone here at the house for a Saturday. Those who came in early on Friday met for dinner. Saturday was spent with a simple "pulled-together" meal. Leftovers were eaten during the evening. Everyone brought something, and we munched and snacked in between meals. When attending the AL Gathering, Joely reserved a larger room for us to meet in since one motel room wouldn't hold us. That worked out well also. We met for breakfast the morning that most had to leave for home.
5. Most of the hours were spent just getting to know one another. Those who stayed a few extra days went on excursions to places close by. Nothing fancy or "over-planned." Just hung out together.
6. By far, the most difficult but most important thing was choosing a date and then going with it. Not everyone will be able to make the date you choose, even if you change it 3 or 4 times. Give plenty of notice so people can plan via days off and/or financially for a fun-filled time.
7. As time goes by, give updates and re-post for those who are new or did not see the original post (keeping it bumped to the top). They may want to join in on the Gathering.
8. For those who are interested, make sure you become "friends" with them so that you can send the information via private message. Also, swap cell numbers in case there is a last-minute change of plans.
Hope this helps out. TJ
You're welcome. I hope there's a good turnout. The Gatherings are really fun and comfortably casual, and it's such a relief to be with others on the same journey who have discovered how to have a good time in the midst of it all. TJ
TJ did a great job outlining the main things we did when we held the 'get togethers'. I did essentially what TJ said ~~ about calling and 'blocking' a certain amount of rooms for a special price. I also called and kept up-to-date on the number of rooms booked, etc.
We had dinner on Fri. night at the dining room of the Lodge and also on Sat. night. I rented a Chalet ~ which was our main meeting place. That way we were not right next to any rooms and could laugh, talk, (or cry) together. Thank goodness, we laughed more than cried!!
If you need any other info private message me. If I know the answer, I'll be glad to help.
These get-togethers are really a lot of fun. It is so nice to meet DS friends and to have people that understand.
Hugs, Joely
Deborah