Hospital offers ‘Surviving the holidays’ grief support group
Honesdale. “The holidays are often difficult when a loved one is gone,” says social worker Anna Walsh. “Decorations aren’t beautiful, food is not as joyful, and songs seem flat.”
| 09 Dec 2020 | 02:57
A free support group designed to help people cope with the grieving process is being offered at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale.
The sessions provide support and focus on grief as a normal part of an individual’s transition through life. The sessions will be held Monday evenings from 6 until 7 p.m. through Dec. 28 in The David Katz Conference Room on the second floor of Wayne Memorial Hospital.
“We recognize that for many people, Hanukkah is not always happy. Christmas is not always merry and Kwanza is not always bright,” said social worker Anna Walsh. “The holidays are often difficult when a loved one is gone. Decorations aren’t beautiful, food is not as joyful, and songs seem flat.”
She said grief is experienced by each individual very differently. “There is no ‘right or wrong’ way to engage in that experience, but the process for each person is encountered in different ways,” said Walsh. “Sharing the experience often helps us understand our own losses more clearly. It makes us aware we are not alone in our feelings.”
The group encourages participants to explore their own solutions to the challenges of living without their loved ones and dealing with the many changes that follow a loss. It is facilitated by Walsh and the Rev. Edward K. Erb. No one will be required to share their feelings, and participants may enter or exit at any time.
Participants are asked to complete a registration form, which can be found at wmh.org.
The sessions are held at Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St., Honesdale. Registration is requested, though not required. For information call 570-241-2685 or email edwardkerb@aol.com.