Grief in a group

Well, I did it. I joined a new grief group, and my first meeting was tonight. It was held in a church across town. I was apprehensive because the last time I attempted this the meeting was at my parent’s old church and it was practically empty. Two of the three participants were in their eighties and also friends of my parents. They offered condolences about my dad but didn’t even know my mom had passed away, much less my Joe, so I kind of had to console them.

This time I picked a different location and prayed for a somewhat younger crowd. What a terrible thing to pray for. It was like praying for an organ donor. Somebody has to die first.

I’m used to group settings. Joe & I attended a cancer support group for many years. I’ve always found the ability to share in a group setting healing in some way, so I was hopeful this would help me begin to walk through this new season of life.

Tonight’s group was actually good. I think this program is going to help me. The facilitators are lovely and the participants were willing to share. That’s a good start. It’s not easy talking about how I feel or what I’m experiencing, but sharing it with others who understand is priceless.

Have you found a grief support group yet?