“Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.” – Anonymous
Grief and loss are part of life. While there are many commonalities in grief, it is a unique journey for every individual and every loss. At times, it can be isolating and overwhelming. It can hit like a tidal wave, or it can creep up unexpectedly. Grief is often complex and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone.
“Grief is never something you get over. You don’t wake up one morning and say, ‘I’ve conquered that; now I’m moving on.’ It’s something that walks beside you every day. And if you can learn how to manage it and honor the person you miss, you can take something that is incredibly sad and find some form of positivity.” —Terri Erwin
However you experience grief, learning coping techniques and sharing your experiences can make it feel more manageable and help provide hope. Grief support groups offer a space to listen, learn, and share in a safe, comforting environment. The consistent opportunity to receive support from others who are also experiencing grief can help guide your journey—transforming something isolating and overwhelming into something that feels not only possible, but hopeful.
In addition to providing a supportive community, grief groups often offer workbooks and activities that can be completed individually or with others to support coping and healing. These tools can help build skills that will support you during—and long after—your time in a grief support group.
When faced with something as complex and challenging as grief, using all the support and tools available to you is essential to your well-being. Please remember that while your grief is unique, you are never alone on this journey. Even the idea of joining a grief group can feel intimidating, but it can be a meaningful step in the healing process.
Fortunately, many grief support resources are available in the local community. VNA offers an ongoing 13-week grief support group in partnership with GriefShare® to provide support and guidance along your grief journey. Join Esther, VNA’s Chaplain & Bereavement Coordinator, and others navigating grief for insights from experts, group discussion, and workbook exercises to help you heal.
VNA’s Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, Esther, hosts the weekly grief support group to help those navigating their grief journey.
If you’re grieving, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Consider trying a group near you and finding strength and comfort alongside others facing a similar journey.
For more information about VNA’s grief support group, visit our grief support page or contact Esther by phone (785) 843-3738 or email griefsupport@kansasvna.org.
If you are not able to attend VNA’s grief support group or are just interested in other opportunities to receive support, churches, hospitals, funeral homes, and other community organizations often offer grief support opportunities.