Memory dish group helps with grief

Staff Reports

If you are dealing with the death of a loved one or are grieving over a divorce after many years of marriage Barton's Hospice of the Lake & Valley may be able to help with monthly Memory Dish Bereavement Groups.

The bereavement group meets 3:30-5 p.m. beginning Feb. 17 in the Carson Valley Medical Center second floor administration building. Meetings are set for March 17, April 21 and May 19. Information, 782-1510.

Trained facilitators and group counselors will be in attendance. No cost to attend the group but call 782-1510 for pre-registration.

Each attendee is asked to bring a special dish to share that reminds them of their lost loved one. A bereavement group is a safe place for people to feel empowered to express grief and sorrow and receive help in joining the world again.

Taking care of yourself helps the body heal from physical signs of grief. Try to stick with healthy exercise, sleep and eating routines. Having family around can help you feel loved. You might need a walk or movie with friends to take your mind off things for a little while.

Joining the world again is part of healing. These tips may help:

Stay in touch with family and friends, even if it's hard to talk.

Tell people how they can help. It can be as simple as running an errand for you.

Attend a support group for people who have been through the same type of loss.

You may find yourself asking: "Why?"

It's normal to seek meaning by asking questions, but there's not always an answer for loss. With time, your loss will still be part of your life, but not the only thing in it. You're not alone and remember that grief healing is a process.