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

support groups for children?

5gaithers
5gaithers
I live in Missouri and I am having a difficult time finding a support group for my child. He was home alone when my husband collapsed and performed CPR until the EMT's arrived. I can't imagine how difficult it was for him because I know how hard it was for me to see my husband lying on the floor in our dining room. He did live for 9 more days, but still a lot of questions because the hospital kept him medically sedated for treatment. My son has expressed interest in wanting to talk with other kids that would know how he feels. He had a fellow classmate share that her parent died last year and he said it made him feel good that he was not alone. I have been unable to find a group so far, and I can't believe there is nothing for our children to help them get through this. In my mind it would be wonderful if we both could go together to a location where I would meet other left behind spouses (don't like the 'w' word) and he would meet with the children. Any ideas?

Guess I should have listed this under 'ask for advice' but I am new to this...

Thanks for your help,
Barb
deleted_user
deleted_user
HI Barb;

I am so sorry for your loss. Have you tried contacting the various hospice agencys? That would be my first step. If they can't point you in the right direction, try contacting the social worker at the hospital where your husband passed. Start there, and if you dont have success. repost.

Paula
Community Leadercliffskat
cliffskat
Barb, I know how hard it is on the kids. My sons were right there when Cliff died, and my elder son had to call 911 while I was doing the CPR, and he couldn't cope, and both my sons had loads of issues afterwards.

I would urge you to contact your son's school guidance department. My younger son received free counseling through the School Psychologist, and I believe either his Guidance Counselor or the School Psychologist could help you find a group for him.

Hospice is a good suggestion, too. If you belong to a church, check and see if any of their youth groups are set-up for that.

Love and Hugs,
Martha
Community Leadercliffskat
cliffskat
I should add that there is a "Bereavement - Teens" group here at DS, too, which may be of help to him:

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Bereavement-Teens/support-group

Hugs....
nowjustme
nowjustme
Call your local Hospice, they have counceling for children & familys.
Also go to http://www.griefshare.org/findagroup they will have groups in your area.
Hugs,
JoAnn
5gaithers
5gaithers
Thank you for your help. His principal and counselor both know and have talked to him a few times, but only when he brings it up. I teach at a different school and asked my counselor, but haven't gotten any names from her. My doctor game me a name for a counselor and the number is no longer in service. The grief share group that I found will not start another session until January, but they are on session 8 on Wednesday mornings. I could do that for a short time but not after I go back to work after Thanksgiving. I am not sure if he would want to do the computer group, but I will ask him. I'll search some of the other options listed here and let everyone know what I came up with. Just kinda surprises me that it is so difficult to find a support group where actual people get together in a room. Maybe I'll start hosting one at my home...hmm. There is an idea... Again I would like to thank everyone for their help.