When the funeral is over…

Posted on February 10, 2022 by Rev. Pam Reidy under grief, loss, mourning
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A funeral, memorial service or celebration of life brings the reality of death to the fore where we have a chance to formally begin the grieving process. But when the service is over and everyone goes home, we are left with the stark realization that our loved one is no longer here to see, touch and relate to us in the flesh.  Now begins the work of establishing a new of relating to someone whose spirit, memories, energy, and love remain with us.  When someone dies, we can no longer depend on the five physical senses to relate to them,  we must exercise our sixth sense, that way of knowing and enjoying the presence of one no longer in the flesh. This is the work of grief.

A combination of resources including friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, local support groups, websites and telehealth support is helpful when beginning a solid pathway for grieving. A leading trend in funeral after-care is reliance on online resources, including written articles, videos, podcasts, support groups and clinicians who conduct telehealth sessions.  A good place to begin utilizing online resources is our website https://www.milesfuneralhome.com/grief-and-healing/.  Here is a sampling of our links:

  • Center for Loss & Transition
    A leading provider of information and inspiration in the areas of illness and dying, loss and grief, healthy caregiving, life transition, and spirituality.
  • http://www.griefnet.org/Griefnet is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss. They have many email support groups. Their integrated approach to online grief support provides help to people working through loss and grief issues. Some of the topics include a grief support guide, daily email grief affirmations, a link to a number of excellent grief articles by Alan Wolfelt, renown expert in the area of loss, grief and healing.

Here is a sampling of some of the better-known grief support websites:

  • https://www.griefshare.org/ GriefShare is a structured program that meets weekly. It includes video seminars, support group discussions and personal study and reflection. To find a group that meets near you visit their website.
  • Griefhaven.org  offers videos, educational articles and podcasts tailored to a specific loss such as spouse, child, parent, grandparent or grandchild.

Free Online Support Grief Groups

  • https://www.mygriefangels.org  offers online support tailored to the type of loss for health care workers, people with disabilities, latinx and Spanish-speaking services, and other groups.
  • Grieving.com  is one of the oldest grief support communities on the internet and offers support to people through community interaction, forums, interactive support and conversation circles.
  • https://www.griefincommon.com/ Karyn Arnold is the founder of Grief in Common, a place to find and connect with others who are grieving and most importantly to share your stories.
  • ·https://healgrief.org/   HealGrief®, a social support network inspired by a core belief that no one should ever grieve alone. HealGrief® provides the tools and resources to guide one’s journey with grief into healthy personal growth. This site utilizes an app.
  • https://www.hopeagain.org Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Support. It is a safe place where young people can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.
  • https://www.griefanonymous.com/ Grief Anonymous is created in the spirit of all the other Anonymous support programs with the belief that only those who have experienced grief can understand it. Grief Anonymous is for people from all walks of life and belief systems to share their experiences, support one another, and to connect together in fellowship with a common bond of grief.

Teletherapy is an ideal option for people who find it difficult to access therapy in person. The pandemic has dramatically increased the number of therapists offering teletherapy. Check with grief and loss therapists in or out of your area to determine if they offer this service. Most insurances cover the cost.

Finding your way through the maze of grief support offerings online can be daunting, but rest assured there is something for everyone.

 

 

 

 

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