Among Friends

[texassunflower]

Has anyone ever participate in this grief semiar and did you find it helpful? I lost my mother almost 6 months ago. I didn't participate in the support group hospice provided because I wasn't that impressed with hospice. Mom was only on hospice for 3 weeks. We had had home health before and I didn't see much difference except they supplied a hospital bed and oxygen. If she had lived longer, I might have a different opinion. There is  a Grief Share semiar beginning in January and I am thinking about attending. I know you have to purchase a workbook and I assume work through the book. I would be interested if others have been through this program and did it help. I am afraid that time is the only real cure.

[Misplaced Parisian]

@texassunflower My beloved maman crossed over 3 years ago.  Time has not helped me.  While I have not attended this seminar, my thought is give anything a chance you think might help you.  Also know that however you proceed is correct for you.  Mourning is a very personal thing.  I am sending you my best thoughts of comfort and peace.  Our manans are only a heartbeat away.  Take care.

[Greeneyedlady21]

I only went to the last two meetings. My Mother died in June, I wasn't up to doing it over the summer. She was in hospice too, at home. Oct-June. I have a hospice bereavement counselor but I always have to call him. He told me he has 270 something people. I switched hospices once, the first one was awful.

The meetings I went to were in an Assembly of God church. The whole program has a religious focus. I signed up for the Grief Share daily emails I do find them helpful.

I didn't have to purchase the workbook they gave it to me for free. I can't judge by two meetings, don't know if I will go back in January.

You can try a few meetings, there's no obligation to continue.

[Misplaced Parisian]

@Greeneyedlady21 Sending you thoughts of comfort and peace as well.  Take care.

[Imaoldhippie]

Im a skeptic at heart.  I would not buy a workbook and when they tell me I have to, its time for me to leave.

Sorry to hear about your mom.

[RedTop]

Grief Share saved a close friend of mine after she lost her adult child suddenly.   She absolutely hit rock bottom, the day we had to go into her house, pull her out of bed, and shove her into the shower.   The program helped her far more than we ever expected, and she continues to go to meetings.   

[henderson]

My husband and I attended Grief Share at our church.  It is faith-based program.  You don't have to share anything if you don't want to.  We went because we lost our 33 yr old son to cancer on December 10, 2010.  It helped us.  We still grieve for our son, especially on his birthday. Mother's Day, Christmas.  Only God has gotten us through our pain and we know we will see Ryan in heaven some day.  At his memorial we played "I Can Only Imagine" and everytime I hear that song (there was a movie made) I break out crying.  

[chrystaltree]

Supportgroups work for some, individual therapy works for some, time works for others.  I have never heard f Grief Share but I think it's probably worth trying if you feel that it will help you.  If it's just the cost of the workbook and perhaps reasonable charge for the workshop itself; I think you should do it.  Time doesn't always work for everyone.  A lot of people get stuck and mirred in grief for years and years because they needed help in working through their grief.  

[Still Raining]

I have not done a grief group but have been a member of AlAnon for almost 40 years and will say that sharing with others and hearing their stories helps.  There is strength in a group.  It helps to be able to say what you are feeling without judgement.  They understand.

[Greeneyedlady21]

@Still Raining I agree. At the grief meetings I attended I was relieved to not have to deal with trite dismissive cliches. You can be real about your feelings and be listened to without judgment. 

It definitely helps to hear the feelings of others, you feel less alone. Even if that's the only benefit I think it's well worth it.