November 2022
Dear Friends,
My father’s death 18 months ago has caused me to grow in appreciation for support groups. When he became homebound in early 2019, I was so busy trying to maintain essential management tasks for his business, as well as helping to marshall caregiving and equipment resources to sustain him at home, that finding or attending a support group was not even on my radar. Taking part in a seminar about dementia earlier this year (here at RHUMC) was a revelation. I am grateful to Annette and the Health and Wellness Committee for organizing the event because it helped me understand my family’s experience. Even in retrospect, the opportunity to be with others while learning information and coping strategies reduced my distress. I was inspired to seek out and participate in other supportive gatherings available in the community.
Grief support is another arena in which I have benefited tremendously from the guidance of leaders with relevant expertise and the company of people who have also experienced significant losses. Gaining knowledge about the various manifestations of grief and hearing suggestions about how to acknowledge our sorrows while also finding our way forward has been extremely valuable. I am thrilled that this year Claire Towle is once again able to facilitate our holiday season grief support gatherings. Claire is a member of RHUMC whose professional career as a licensed clinical social worker has focused on helping people through grief and loss. Her compassion and wisdom will be an encouragement to those who join either the November 14 evening gathering or the December 8 afternoon gathering.
As we remember our loved ones who are now among the saints in light, I give thanks for the ministry of those who seek support and those who know how to offer support. Through the tender mercy of God may we all find the insight and comfort that we need.
