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Posted on March 22, 2024


Bereavement Newsletter April 2024

Posted on March 22, 2024

April showers bring May flowers…March excites me for it brings with it the promise of spring. Then comes the rainy season! April, for me, is the tunnel through which I must pass to reach the other side of winter. It may be dreary and cold, and at times a little tiresome; but it is necessary to get me to the warmth and joy that summer offers. So, here I go. Follow me if you will.

As you move into the summer of your grief journey, you will have left behind cold and rainy days. You will experience hard times before experiencing the joy and sunshine of tomorrow, and those times will change the person you are. They will mold you into the person you are to become. I pray that as you begin that journey and continue to walk along the pathway, you will have a hope of better tomorrows and sunshiny days. Allow someone else to walk beside you and be your friend. Let them hold your hand or cry with you. Allow someone else to be your strength if needed. Allow yourself to change. Also, remember we are here if you need us in the months to come. There are always events offered to lend support. Feel free to take advantage of them. We want to help you on your journey towards healing.

Upcoming Events:

Women’s retreat at Salt Fork. Call if interested

April 9: Support group meeting at Belmont County Library Annex in Barnesville at Noon (Bring your owln lunch and we can eat together)

April 11: Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at Noon

April 24: Coffee with Chris Dyer: Men’s group at Wheeling Ave. Wendy’s at 9:00 AM

April 25: Breakfast group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

As always, if you have any questions or if you need to talk, I am available at 740-432-7440.

With warm thoughts…

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter March 2024

Posted on February 23, 2024

SPRING! The calendar says 3 weeks. But we can hardly complain. It have been a mild winter. But there is something about the promise of spring and the week ahead does look promising for mild temperatures! Hopefully March will bring an early spring and more of the sunshine I so love. The days are becoming longer and I would love to begin to think of outside chores and activities. I always begin thinking about decorating the outdoor patio at this point in time (at least in my mind). One of my favorite spots is the old porch swing. I love to sit on it and watch the world go by. It gives me great peace, and occasionally I’ll grab a nap after a busy day at work. It is my get-a-way for a few needed moments.

As March brings springtime, I hope it also brings for you sunshine and hope in the new season. It is only natural to have dreary days mixed in with the sunshine, so don’t be discouraged when they creep in. Just try to stay focused. Plan an activity that will bring you joy, and act upon it. Have lunch with a friend, feed the ducks, or take a walk. But whatever you do, look for that moment or activity that gives you a few minutes of peace, and bask in its warmth. It may be what gets you through to the next season.

But no matter where you find yourself as you read this, remember that we at Hospice are here to lend you support along the way. Our upcoming events for the month of March are as follows:

March 7 New Griefshare class starts

March 12 – Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library annex at Noon

March 14 – “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon

March 27“Coffee with Chris” MENS ONLY coffee group to meet the last Wednesday of the month at 9:00 AM at the East Wheeling Ave Wendy’s in Cambridge. Chris is the former chaplain of Hospice and will be leading the group.

March 28Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

April 12-14 – Women’s Retreat.

If you have questions about any of the events, or you just need someone to talk to, call me at 740-432-7440. I CAN meet with you one on one. May spring shine upon you!

Blessings! Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter September 2023

Posted on August 24, 2023

It’s hard to believe that we are heading into fall. The days are getting shorter, and the evenings are cooler. Change is in the air. For many of you, change took place days, weeks, or months ago. Life changes forever when you lose a loved one. It’s as if you are forced to join a club in which you want NO part! Just as we have no control over the calendar and the seasons, we also had no control over the death of our loved ones. The only thing we do have control over is our attitude and how we are going to live with the hand we have been dealt. I can only say to you that things will get easier. In the meanwhile, it is important to surround yourself with positive people, let the tears flow as needed, and remember to live your life as to honor your loved one. Seasons come and go, but memories will live on forever.

I am grateful that I can speak words into your life each month. I only hope that some of them bring you hope. Many of you I have never met, but I want you to know that you are precious to us here at Hospice, and we are here to help in any way that we can. Along with one-on-one time, we offer many group activities. I hope you will take advantage of any that sound interesting or helpful. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to call me at 740-432-7440.

September Activities

September 12-“Lunch Bunch” at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon September 14-“Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at Noon

NEW SUPPORT GROUP STARTING THIS MONTH Beginning September 20 from 2-4 PM at the Hospice office. This will be a 9 week group. “Understanding Grief and helping yourself heal” Contact Terri for details: 740-432-7440

September 27-Coffee with Chris: Men’s coffee/support group meets at 9 AM at various places around the community. If interested, contact Terri for details of this month’s location September 28-Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9 AM

May a smile touch your soul today!

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter August 2023

Posted on July 25, 2023

The summer is quickly slipping away. Summer will soon turn into fall. And whether it has been a week, a month, or a year since the loss of your loved one, you will soon realize that life still goes on. As much as we feel that the whole world should stop when our loved one dies, (for ours certainly did) the seasons continue to come and go. And we are forced to adjust.

All the feelings that overwhelm you when a loved one dies deserves your attention. They are important openings to greater awareness: about the relationship you shared, your own needs, the meaning of life. And they take time!!! They are also the steps to your recovery, for there is no way out but through. Only by letting yourself experience grief can you move beyond it. Beyond-not to your old way of being or what once was “normal”, but beyond to fully integrating loss into your life, to richer understanding, renewed purpose, and deeper spirituality.

Grieving is painful and demanding. But healing does come. The deep pain will subside, and you will find yourself able to reflect on your loved one, how your life was and how it is now, and begin to think about how your life will be in the future. Personally, I have lost some very good friends. The void still exists when I can no longer share the excitement and pictures of my grandkids or just pick up the phone and talk about my day! A BIG sigh…but I can testify that the pain has lessened in intensity. It no longer consumes me, but I will never forget them. They, in many ways, helped shape me into how I respond today. They will always be present in my life.

You don’t have to go through this time alone. As part of our Hospice family, please take advantage of the services we offer. I am also available by phone or appointment.

August Activities

August 8: Lunch Group to meet at Barnesville Park at Noon. Bring your lunch.

August 10: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon. Lunch on your own. It is a time of food and fellowship with others who have suffered a loss.

August 24: Breakfast Support Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

August 30: Coffee with Chris: Men’s coffee/support group at 9:00 AM. They meet at various places around the community. If interested, contact me for details on the upcoming month’s location.

Hope to see you or talk with you soon!

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter March 2023

Posted on February 20, 2023

Spring! The calendar says 3 weeks. But we can hardly complain. It has been a mild winter. But there is something about the promise of spring and the week ahead does look promising for mild temperatures! Hopefully March will bring an early spring and more of the the sunshine I so love. The days are becoming longer and I would love to begin to think of outside chores and activities. I always begin thinking about decorating the outdoor patio at this point in time (at least in my mind). One of my favorite spots is the old porch swing. I love to sit on it and watch the world go by. It gives me great peace, and occasionally I’ll grab a nap after a busy day at work. It is my get-a-way for a few needed moments.

As March brings springtime, I hope it also brings for you sunshine and hope in the new season. It is only natural to have dreary days mixed in with the sunshine, so don’t be discouraged when they creep in. Just try to stay focused. Plan an activity that will bring you joy, and act upon it. Have lunch with a friend, feed the ducks, or take a walk. But whatever you do, look for that moment or activity that gives you a few minutes of peace, and bask in its warmth. It may be what gets you through the next season.

But no matter where you find yourself as you read this, remember that we at Hospice of Guernsey are here to lend you support along the way. Our upcoming events for the month of March are as follows:

March 9- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon

March 14-Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon

March 23-Breakfast support group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

March 29-“Coffee with Chris” MEN ONLY coffee group to meet the last Wednesday of the month at 9:00 AM at the East Wheeling McDonald’s in Cambridge. Chris Dyer was our former Chaplain and will be leading the group.

April 21-23-Discovering Joy in the Journey women’s widow retreat. Thanks to a grant from The John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund through The Columbus Foundation. Hospice of Guernsey will be hosting it’s first ever women’s retreat at Salt Fork Lodge. Cost is suggested minimum donation of $25 and spaces are limited. For more info call me.

If you have questions about any of the events, or you just need someone to talk to, call me at 740-432-7440. I CAN meet with you one on one. May spring shine upon you!

Blessings

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, AHPC-SW, Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter February 2023

Posted on January 20, 2023

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By now you have had time to settle in to the new year just a little bit. Christmas decorations are down and tucked away for another year. To many, that may seem like a relief. Many emotions are flying at the thought of what the new year might hold. To some, it may mean a new beginning…this year has to be better than the last. Others might wonder how they can possibly go on…face the new year without their loved one. By now you have come to the realization that the world does not stop for you, no matter if you feel that it should. I am here to encourage you that things will get easier. You will in some way adjust. But I want to encourage you not to go at it alone. Find someone that will be a support and encouragement to you in the days and weeks ahead. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If on person falls, the other can reach out and help.” If you feel you need someone to talk to, I am available for one on one time. There are also many events that take place throughout the month that you might find helpful. Give some of them a try.

February events:

February 9-“Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at Noon

February 14-ATTENTION-Lunch Bunch in Barnesville will meet at Georgia Gallagher’s house due to conflict at the annex

February 23-Breakfast Support Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

If you have any questions about any of the events, or you find yourself just needing a listening ear, call me at 740-432-7440.

Blessings!

Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter January 2023

Posted on December 21, 2022

January 2023

A new year is upon us! Where does the time go? When I was young, I hated it when someone said how fast the time went, for as a child, I didn’t believe it and I couldn’t wait for the years to pass! Now it is sometimes just a reminder of what was. It is sometimes hard not to wish those days and years back. But, as we are so aware, we cannot! We do, however, need to remind ourselves to make the most of today and pray for a happier tomorrow.

For many of you, this New Year may only be a reminder of who will not be with you as you face tomorrow. A friend once shared four little words with me that might help to make a difference in your days. They are “I have a choice”. We can choose to worry and be upset at life’s circumstances, or we can choose to move ahead one day at a time, making our life count for something. It has been said…”Those who grieve well–heal well! They also live well-living in the now! I hope we can begin to do that together in the coming year.

Upcoming events:

January 10-Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon. Bring your lunch

January 12-Lunch Bunch at Lee’s at Noon

January 26-Breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

If you have any questions, call me at 740-432-7440. I am also available for one-on-one time. Remember that together and with support, we can make it through each new day.

God Bless you in this New Year!

Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter December 2022

Posted on November 28, 2022

As you enter the last month of the year, you have already survived one major holiday of the season. I hope that as you focused on the true meaning of Thanksgiving, you were able to give thanks for something good in your life. But don’t stop now; for the Christmas holiday is upon us! Just as I encouraged you to look at the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I urge you to do something similar at Christmas. The author of this poem states her feelings beautifully!

First Christmas

It can’t possibly be Christmas without her being here. Yet the world is singing ’round me, joyful tidings and good cheer.

Though I try to put on armor and brave the sights and sounds, a few moments worth of shopping, and the tears are spilling down.

I pray for strength to do it, find a path through holidays, look for shortcuts, good ideas, and some directions through the maze.

Then I find at last the answer; I’ll include her symbolically. And the giving becomes perfect; her love’s flowing down, through me. Genesse Boudeau Gentry

Sometimes it only takes a new perspective to help us get through the toughest times. I pray you will allow your loved one to shine through you in some way this holiday season. We will be meeting together to remember our loved ones at the Holiday Memorial Service on December 6. We will light a candle in their honor/memory, sing a chorus or tow and share a good story with those around us.

Upcoming Events

December 6…Memorial Service 5:00 PM at Southgate Hotel in Cambridge

December 8…Lunch Bunch at Lee’s at Noon

December 13…Lunch Bunch at Barnesville Library Annex at Noon

December 22…Breakfast at Patty’s at 9:00 AM

I am available by phone or appointment. For more information on the above events, call 740-432-7440. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happier New Year!

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW Bereavement Coordinator


Bereavement Newsletter September 2022

Posted on August 31, 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

It’s hard to believe that we are heading into fall. The days are getting shorter, and the evenings are cooler. Change is in the air. For many of you, change took place days, weeks or months ago. Life changes forever when you lose a loved one. It’s as if you are forced to join a club in which you want NO part! Just as we have no control over the calendar and the seasons, we also had no control over the death of our loved ones. The only thing we do have control over is our attitude and how we are going to live with the hand we have been dealt. I can only say to you that things will get easier. In the meanwhile, it is important to surround yourself with positive people, let the tears flow as needed, and remember to live you life as to honor your loved one. Seasons come and go, but memories will live on forever.

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to speak words into you life each month. I only hope that some of them bring you hope. Many of you I have never met, but I want you to know that you are precious to us here at Hospice, and we are here to help in any way that we can. Along with one-on-one time, we offer many group activities. I hope you will take advantage of any that sound interesting or helpful. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to call me at 740-432-7440.

September activities:

September 8- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge at Noon

September 13- “Lunch Bunch” at Belmont County Library Annex at Noon. Bring your lunch

NEW!!!  September 20- Understanding Grief Support Group at Hospice of Guernsey office (9711 East Pike Rd. Cambridge) from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. This is a 9 week group and books will need to be ordered for participants. If you are interested in attending call 740-432-7440.

 

September 22- Breakfast Support Group at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 AM

May a smile touch your soul today!

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator