Grieving at the holidays? Local events offer support
It’s no secret that for many people, grief intensifies around the holidays. We’re surrounded by images, stories and songs of joy and celebration, all of which sharply contrast the painful feelings that the bereaved experience. Family gatherings only emphasize the absence of loved ones who have passed.
If you are grieving, you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve rounded up several local resources that can help you cope this holiday season.
Local organization Prairiewoods is hosting A Two-Part Grief Series: The Spirit of In-Between on November 5 and 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. There’s also a Grief Remembrance Prayer Service at 6 p.m. on November 5.
Facilitated by Father Denny Juhl, participants will explore what it means to be people of faith in difficult times. You’ll answer the questions: “How do we sustain faith when hurt, disillusioned, alienated, grieving? How do we live in between the time when everything made sense and the time before all comes together again in a hope-filled future?”
Register for the free grief remembrance service and/or the grief series on the Prairiewoods website or call (319) 395-6700. Cost for the series is $15 per person. Prairiewoods is a Franciscan ecospirituality retreat and conference center in Hiawatha.
Cedar Memorial is offering its free annual seminar, Coping with the Holidays, on Sunday, November 19, from 2-4 p.m.
During this popular event, Dr. James Coyle, Cedar Memorial's GriefCare and Community Outreach Specialist, will lead participants through a discussion and time of reflection, and offer holiday tips and resources for the bereaved.
Register online or call Cedar Memorial at (319) 393-8000.
When everyone around you seems simply effervescent with holiday cheer, seeking out others who are grieving can be comforting. While attending a support group or class for the first time may feel overwhelming, many experience the benefits of connecting with others who are in a similar place.
Several local churches provide GriefShare classes. GriefShare is a 13-week series where a variety of death loss topics are covered from a faith-based perspective. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is starting a series on December 1, at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Search the website for additional locations.
Many local hospices offer grief support groups. These can be a good choice if you’re looking for nonreligious support.
This holiday season, whether or not you choose to attend an event or support group, remember there is no one right way to cope with your grief. We live in a society that has made death and grief taboo subjects, despite the fact that we all eventually come face to face with them. While it can be healthy to share and talk about your grief, there is no shame in staying home or taking a year off from holiday gatherings.
For additional ideas on coping with grief during the holidays, view this list of 64 tips from whatsyourgrief.com.