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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Death & Dying
/ Widows & Widowers Support Group

Grief Support Group

praised
praised
I went to my group meeting yesterday. I had not been for the last two sessions. We celebrated the first anniversary of the group. I started in March, after attending two sessions at another church which was not a good fit for me. It was a wonderful meeting and I felt really uplifted when I left. I thought I didn't need to go anymore, but I was proven wrong. One of the facilitators did a project toward the end of our session. She had asked us to listen as each one of us spoke and identify a strength we heard. Then she passed out paper plates and had us hold them on our backs so the person could write what they thought our strengths were and sign their name. We would do the same. We were never to look at what they wrote until we got home, and would refer to them in those times of sadness. I really love this group of 15 to 18 people who have not stopped coming. We also celebrated with food.
icezam19
icezam19
Sounds like a great group. I attended GrrieSshare groups for the first 2 years and it really helped. It's so important to share and know you are not alone. I made new friends and remain close to them.

That activity you described is wonderful.
JesusisOurSaviour
JesusisOurSaviour
The Grief share group I go to every Thursday evening, has been a help to me,also.Great that you have a good group! It's good to connect with people face to face.
I love the idea of the plate, strengths thing, you mentioned.
I would recommend these groups to people, if they can find one close to home.
However, I really appreciate my DS friends, here. This group, is a tremendous force in helping me move forward. We are blessed to have Martha, Sharon and Marsha. Their insight and experience from their own grief is invaluable.
Thanks,
Sandra


Sandra.
Community LeaderShrn
Shrn
I attended a hospice scheduled group that was wonderful for me. It was centered on new widows and widowers and the bond we formed was comforting. We shared tears and meals and I would recommend them. Sharon
BandiBlue
BandiBlue
I also have been attending GriefShare since March, 2014, and I have made some dear friends there. Our group facilitators are excellent, and they host extra sessions around Thanksgiving and Christmas to help cope with those holidays. There's even an annual candlelight remembrance service to honor our loved ones. I do not know what I would have done without the Widows & Widowers group here on DS and my GriefShare group!

Blessings and thanks to all . . .
Beka92
Beka92
I have been attending a grief support group for widows and widowers. We meet twice a month and I find myself looking forward to it. This group makes me feel so not alone.

I do appreciate DS so much. Just reading from others going through and feeling the same helps.
Community Leadercliffskat
cliffskat
It sounds like you have a good group. I am curious as to what they wrote on your plate? And did you agree with what they wrote? Just wondering....

If I could have got to a group I would have, but that was not possible for me. The nearest was many miles away. I did have counseling through my work, via the Employee Assistance Program, and that was great, but I relied heavily on my DS friends, especially those ahead of me. I know what a difference it made for me, and that is why I have stayed so long here - to give back what was given to me. I think Sharon, Marsha, and I are all around the same time - within about a year - and we have traveled this unwanted road together, and I thank the heavens for them both!

Praised, I am glad you are still getting benefit from going to your group. It sounds really good!

Love and Hugs,
Martha
mannie123
mannie123
Martha I can't thank you enough for continuing to give advice. You have helped me so much... especially in the beginning when I just read what everyone wrote and did not post or comment.
Rainbow27
Rainbow27
I also attend a grief support meeting and it helps so much. We had our memorial potluck this weekend and it was so touching to share stories. We also lit candles, read poems, shared pictures of our loved one, cried, laughed.... There is no other place you can feel as comfortable...and know everyone understands and is so supportive. Same as our wonderful group here on DS. We are all at different stages of grief and it gives me hope that one day the pain will slowly lessen. Much peace,
praised
praised
Thank you for your comments. This has also helped me in not going insane when my husband died. One month after he left, fifteen months ago, I was on the computer at 3 am and I keyed in widows support group and Daily Strength came up. I cannot begin to tell you how helpful this site has been to me. I learned so many things about the journey of grieving. I also learned many practical issues regarding widows. So, to be clear, I have the best of both and I am so grateful. I continue to keep all of us in prayer daily for strength, for comfort and for peace.