The month of August is finally upon us! I hope you have been enjoying your summer and the fun and activities the warm weather and sunshine bring. Children will soon be going back to school and our scheduled will once again go back to our normal routines. As the new school year starts, some of our children may be experiencing school for the first time, moving into a different school building and starting a “year of firsts.” Unfortunately, many people in the community are also experiencing a “year of firsts” after the loss of a loved one.
I have heard many times in a counseling session, that the first year is the hardest. Many people tell me they feel confused, they have difficulties with eating and sleeping, and they feel overcome with the emotions of grief such as intense sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. People tell me they feel isolated and the world is moving on without them. When these emotions subside, we have chronological reminders of their passing that can trigger these intense feelings again such as the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and events that they would shared in.
I invite you to join for our monthly workshop about “Surviving the ‘Firsts’ After Loss.” You are not alone in this experience. Many grievers who come attend groups and workshops at the Grief Center share they find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their grief. We build connection through vulnerability, and finding others who have experienced a new loss may be the thing we need to know we can move forward from this loss with strength and connection.
