Surviving the Holidays

If you find yourself or know someone experiencing grief from the death of a loved one, there’s an event created just for you.  Surviving the Holidays provides support & practical tips for facing holiday challenges after a loss. Reserve your seat now for Wednesday, November 6th at 1pm or 6:30pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church & School in Oviedo.

Grief is a natural reaction to loss. Grief includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune system, self-neglect, and suicidal thoughts. Grief is heavy. You are not alone.

GriefShare offers free resources, group options that meet all around the world, and online.

Here’s a story from a GriefShare member named Alice,

In 2006 I was introduced to GriefShare International after the death of my husband of 52 years.  Our pastor had a meeting for orientation to GriefShare and I was invited by a dear friend. There were four of us that then started GriefShare at St Luke’s.  Well now, I am almost 95.  I do have memories of GriefShare, not names, but people.  Early in our program, a young lady, came into our group. Her husband had an illness and died unexpectedly in their home while in her presence.

Her grief was obvious.  She was pale, gaunt, and very quiet.  She kept coming. Not in one session, but over time, we noticed her physical appearance started to improve. She began to communicate with other participants and joined in discussions.  When she completed the program, she started a GriefShare in her own church. I could go on with many things I learned in GriefShare. It’s based on our Christian faith, it helps us come to peace with what’s happened and live the life we have left.  No matter how many times I watch the videos over the years, I find something new.

Please share!

Citings from Mayo Clinic, APA American Psychological Association, Griefshare