Posted on July 21, 2016
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 deserve 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 lost my best friend. The void still exists when I can no longer share the excitement and pictures of my grandbaby 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 her. She, in many ways, helped shape me into how I respond today. She 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 at Hospice:
Aug. 8: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at 12:00. Lunch on your own. It is a time of food and fellowship with others who have suffered a loss. For information, call 740-432-7440.
Aug. 9: Support lunch group @ Annie K’s in Barnesville @ NOON
Aug. 18: Monthly Suicide Survivor’s Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lee’s. MUST RSVP
Aug. 22: Friends of Faith @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville.
Aug. 23: Monthly Support Group @ 5:30 pm @ the Hospice office . MUST RSVP
Aug. 25: Breakfast Support Group @ Patty’s Place in Caldwell @ 9:00 am
Hope to see you or talk with you soon!
BLESSINGS!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on June 29, 2016
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 in 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 include:
July 11 “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
July 12 “Lunch Group” 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 21 Suicide Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lees. MUST RSVP
July 24 Suicide Survivor’s ‘Butterfly Release’ @6:00 City Park Duck Pond Pavilion
July 25 Friends of Faith 12:00 at Annie K’s in Barnesville
July 26 Support Group 5:30 @ the hospice office. MUST RSVP
July 28 Grief Support Breakfast @ 9:00 am @Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
August 6 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 will benefit patient care and bereavement services.
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.
Blessings!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on June 29, 2016
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.
REGISTRATION FORMS – CLICK HERE
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.
Posted on June 9, 2016
Kids age 6 to 12, who have experienced a loss are invited to attend Hospice of Guernsey’s Kids Kamp on June 27 to 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Deerassic Park. The camp allows children to express their grief and to share and learn from others who have had similar experiences.
This year’s theme is “Inside Out”. Kids will create masks that are similar to the characters in the Disney movie and the feelings they represent. Attendees will also enjoy a drum circle, games, crafts, hiking and fishing. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Kids should wear old clothes and shoes for exploring the woods and creeks.
Preregistration required by Friday, June 26. Contact Lois Merrill or Terri Wootton with questions or registrations at 740-432-7440.
Posted on April 26, 2016
Just as we have always heard that April showers bring May flowers, it is also true that we grow as we walk along the path of grief. Buried inside each of us is the potential to blossom into something beautiful after we have come through the rain. As I write this, I am taking time to look back over the last few years and reflect on the losses I have experienced. You see…I have lost my dad and my dearest friend since working here at hospice; BUT I have learned that I must leave the rains and storms of yesterday behind me and move into a new season where there can once again be flowers in bloom. My life must go on, and I have concluded that my loved ones would want that for me. It is my desire for you to learn the meaning of this as well.
May brings with it Memorial Day and a time of honoring those we love. For the average person, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend, and a time of rest or relaxation. But you probably do not feel like the average person at this time in your life, so I encourage you to do something that will honor the one you love in a different way than might be the norm. You may choose to plant a tree or shrub in your garden… one that will remind you of the one who is no longer with you. In time, it will be a comfort and a joy to behold. It is a living, breathing thing-something with life… just like you will remember your loved one as it ushers in precious memories of your times together. Plant it and water it with love! Enjoy it for years to come!
Upcoming events:
May 9: “Lunch Bunch” Support Group at Mr. Lee’s noon. Join us for fellowship.
May 10: Barnesville Lunch Bunch @ 12:00 pm @ Annie K’s
May 19: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group 6:00 pm at Mr. Lees
May 23: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
May 24: Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice office
May 26: Support breakfast @ Patty’s Place @ 9:00 am in Caldwell
I hope to see you soon. And as always, I’m available by phone at 740-432-7440.
God Bless!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on April 7, 2016
Staff and volunteers at Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. are sprucing up their flamingos to get ready for the 3rd Annual Flamingo 5K – a 5K run and 1-mile walk on Saturday, August 6, at 8 a.m. The pink birds that have been associated with Hospice of Guernsey for years, because of their Flamingo Flocking fundraisers, are pulling double duty by marking the route of the Flamingo Run.
Last year the Flamingo 5K had nearly 200 participants, in their third year they hope in draw an even bigger crowd.
The event includes a 5K run, 5K walk and a 1-mile memorial walk. There will be medals for the top overall runners, and top three in each age range, and a medal for the top overall walker. This year, there will also be several ‘fun’ awards presented, including ‘Best Dressed’, so don’t be afraid to embrace your inner flamingo.
After the race, stick around for some fun family activities, as the race results are being tabulated.
Pre-registration prior to July 15 guarantees a T-shirt. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Event day registration is $25.
Race packets may be picked up early on August 3 and 4 at the Hospice Office from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Registration the day of the Flamingo Run will begin at 7 a.m. at Pavilion #1, corner of Edgeworth Ave. and North 8th St.
For information, call Jenna Conaway or Kathi Williams at 740-432-7440 or email jenna@firewireinternet.com.
Click here for the 2016 registration form.
Posted on April 4, 2016
Hospice of Guernsey is excited to announce its 2nd annual Touch A Truck, which will take place at Deerassic Park on Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 2pm.
Touch A Truck is a FREE family event that allows children of all ages a hands-on opportunity to explore various vehicles and meet the people who build, protect and serve our community. (Donations will be accepted, but there is no admission cost.) Along with the ‘trucks’ there will be food vendors, raffles and face painting.
“Last year we had nearly 20 ‘trucks’ including a fire truck, law enforcement vehicles, a big pink concrete truck, helicopter , tow truck, car hauler and an ice cream truck. We’re hoping to have an even bigger line-up this year!”
For more information, contact Jenna Conaway at 740-432-7440 or visit our facebook page here.
Posted on February 24, 2016
Patty’s Place in Caldwell is the place to be on Thursday, March 10 from 5 to 7pm. The restaurant will be hosting a “special waiter night” for Hospice of Guernsey, Inc.
Patty’s staff and Hospice volunteers will be working together to serve you, with the tips during those two hours going to Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. All donations raised will help with patient care and bereavement services.
Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and serves Guernsey, Noble and western Belmont counties. For more information about the event or Hospice services, call 740-432-7440.
Posted on February 16, 2016
So far the promise of cold weather has been a reality…SNOW, SNOW, and more SNOW! I so long for the first hints of spring! Hopefully March will bring with it the sunshine I so love. The days are becoming longer and I would love to begin to think of outside chores and activities. I am already decorating the outdoor patio 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 8– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s (Barnesville) at noon. Anyone who may enjoy eating and talking with others, please join us.
March 14- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own. Everyone welcome.
March 17– Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 pm at Mr. Lee’s.
March 22-Support Group @ 5:30 p.m. at the Hospice Office.
March 24– Breakfast support group meets @ 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley.
March 28– “Friends of Faith” meets at noon at Annie K’s in Barnesville.
If you have questions about any of the events, or you just need someone to talk to, call me at 432-7440. May spring shine upon you!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, AHPC-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on January 4, 2016
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 I 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. I hope we can do that together in the coming year.
Upcoming events:
January 11– Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of
fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
January 12–Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at noon.
January 13– NEW 9 WEEK SUPPORT GROUP. This group will meet at 5:30 at the Hospice office and will meet every other week. Please contact me if interested. Once the group starts, it will be closed to others.
January 21–Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 at Mr. Lee’s
January 25-Friends of Faith meets at Annie K’s at noon.
January 26- Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice Office…(also a painting party with Lois for those who would like to participate. CALL FOR DETAILS.)
January 28- Support breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 am.
If you have any questions about an event, call me at 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
Call 24/7