The month begins with a BANG-a strong reminder of freedom. For many, the July 4th celebration means a picnic and fireworks. Sometimes the real meaning of the holiday is lost. Freedom can mean different things to different people. For some it does have the meaning of being able to live as we do in this country. For others, it may take on a new connotation. At this time in your life, you may view your loved one as having been set free at last from their suffering. The hardships and illness that led to this time in your life are past, and now you must find a way to go on. Freeing yourself from living int the past is sometimes very difficult. Establishing a new norm for your life is essential and often requires energy you may not feel you possess. Others may be needed to help you along the way to healing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are also here to help in any way that we can. We offer various programs that I hope you will consider.
July’s Upcoming Events
July 9 Barnesville Lunch Group Noon at Georgie’s House-734 Bond Ave. Barnesville. Bring your sack lunch.
July 11 Lunch Bunch at Noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
July 13 Flamingo Memorial Run-Sometimes doing something tangible is a special way to honor your loved one…You can do that with us in a one mile walk or a 5k. All monies benefit patient care and bereavement services. (Check out our Facebook or Website)
Remember that I am also available for one-on-one time. I hope this season in life has you choosing to focus on the positives.
I just now looked ahead at the weather forecast for the week. It promises to be warm and sunny on the outside, but I know that all of you are not feeling its warmth on the inside. Because it may be stormy in your present circumstances, you may have to dig deep to find some hope of sunshine. But without hope, our spirit withers and dies. I am here to remind you that there is also hope in the stormy season of grief. The following sums it up for us:
The Hidden Power of the Heart
When the heart is enlivened again, it feels like the sun coming out after a week of rainy days. There is hope in the heart that chases the clouds away. Hope is a brighter heart frequency and as you begin to reconnect with your heart, hope is waiting to show you new possibilities and arrest the downward spiral of grief and loneliness. It becomes a matter of how soon you want the sun to shine. Listening to the still, small voice in your heart will make hope into a reality.
-Sarah Paddison
I particularly like the line that says: “It becomes a matter of how soon you want the sun to shine.” We do have control over much of it. I pray that you will listen to the small voice in your heart as you move towards healing. And remember, we are here to help.
June Events
June 11:***The Noon support group that meets at the Barnesville Library Annex will be meeting at the park this month due to conflicts of scheduling of their summer reading program. Hope to see you there!
June 13: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon. Come share lunch with others who have suffered a loss, and make a new friend.
June 24-26: Kids Kamp at Deerassic Park from 10AM-2PM each day. The Kamp is free and open to kids ages 6-12.
June 26: Coffee with Chris Dyer (men only) at Wheeling Ave. Wendys at 9AM
June 27: Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9AM
I pray God’s blessings on you as you continue to “reconnect with your heart”.
Staff and volunteers at Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. are planning to add some more fun to the Flamingo Run. In addition to the medals given to top finishers in each category, there will be some silly medals awarded as well. The “Best Dressed” medal(s) will be given to the wackiest, pinkest and most flamingo-like participant(s). There will be a few other silly awards, but organizers are keeping mum about what they are.
Participants should also plan for some family fun to take place while organizers are tabulating race results. There will be several games and activities to take part in.
The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Event day registration is $25. Registration forms are available at the Hospice of Guernsey office, United Way office and on Facebook.
Registration the day of the Flamingo Run will begin at 7am at Pavilion #1, corner of Edgeworth Ave. and North 8th St. New this year, race packets may be picked up early on Wednesday and Thursday, August 3rd and 4th from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Hospice of Guernsey office.
Hospice of Guernsey would like to thank Blue for Prosecutor for sponsoring the Flamingo Run finish line.
For information, call Jenna Conaway at 740-432-7440 or email jenna@firewireinternet.com.
Paint a canvas full of fall colors with our Art Therapist, Lois Merrill on Tuesday, October 27th from 5:30 to 7 pm. Sip some apple cider as Lois instructs the class on painting a fall tree scene.
The Paint & Sip is free of charge and open to the public. All materials will be provided.
Class is limited to 20 participants, so register early! Call Lois Merrill at 740-432-7440 to register. The Hospice of Guernsey office is located at 9711 East Pike Road, Cambridge, OH 43725.
Just a quick note that the Hospice of Guernsey’s Flamingo Run 5K run and 1M walk cut-off is quickly approaching. Get your registration this week and save some money! All the details can be found over on the Flamingo Run event page.
Call 24/7
Sign up for the Flamingo Run! 5K run, 5K walk and one mile memorial walk on Saturday, August 6th @ 8am. Register by July 15 to guarantee a T-shirt.
