A young mother grieves the loss of her only child and questions whether she can still call herself a 鈥渕om鈥� or a parent. A husband of 56 years grieves the loss of his mate, cook and companion and struggles with the overwhelming loneliness that envelopes his days since she died.
Griefshare, a non-profit support group, has been operating in the Batttlefords for 10 years, helping those dealing with the loss of someone special. Sometimes that grief can be so intense and frightening it leaves the grieving feeling alone and confused. They never thought they could be in this emotional state. To be able to share these feelings with others who are in the same situation and not have to feel ashamed of their reaction is a great relief.
Griefshare meets once a week for eight sessions. During each meeting those who wish, may express their struggles. A half-hour video is watched, and over coffee and tea, responses to the topics are shared. Each video involves different aspects and reactions to grief expressed by individuals who have experienced the pain of loss.
The hosts of the series share the pain of having lost two infants soon after their births. Grief counsellors, in videos, give factual thoughts on the grief process and suggest ways of dealing with the baffling emotions of the grief journey.
Videos for the program have been made available thanks to the solid support of the Battlefords Ministerial Association. The three funeral services in the Battlefords have also lent their support, either through financial assistance or in-kind generosity. Local media outlets have provided advertising and Living Faith Chapel has provided a meeting room, audio/visual equipment and secretarial services.
Together these organizations and Greifshare have been able to support community members through the past 10 years, with no cost to the participants.
Griefshare also relies on the volunteer support of the four facilitators who are available each session. They are all professionals 鈥� nurses, an LPN and a retired teacher 鈥� who share their own story of grief.
This group is open to all who seek help with their journey through the fog of grief, daring to believe they will see sunshine again.
Those who wish to join are invited to contact Sue at 306-445-6658 or Wendy at 306-445-3715.
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