Posted on December 17, 2015
“Happy Holidays!”
“Merry Christmas!”
“Happy New Year!”
I had never realized how many holidays had the words “happy” or “merry” attached to the day or the season prior to taking my current job as a bereavement counselor at Hospice of Guernsey. I soon became aware that these words frequently have a hollow ring for the bereaved during the holidays, or any events such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s and Father’s Day that were typically thought of as being “happy.”
While being confronted with the “happys” and “merry’s” could present a challenge at any time, it will likely become much more pronounced during the holidays when families traditionally gather together — Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Happy memories are often dulled by the pain and sorrow of experiencing the holidays without a loved one who has died.
It seems everywhere you turn there is something to break your heart a little more. Stores are decorated with the symbols of the holiday. The Hallmark Channel reminds us of stories of togetherness, love and sharing. Everyone is beginning to ask the dreaded question, “What are you doing for the holidays?” They can’t seem to wait for that special day to arrive. You can’t wait for it to be over.
So, a commonly asked question by grieving people at this time of year is, “How can I get through the holidays?”
Even with all of the emotions swirling around you, the holiday season does not have to be entirely sad. There are ways to help you cope with your grief during this time. I’ll touch on a few:
PLAN AHEAD: Be aware that this might be a difficult time for you. You may feel out of sorts with the celebratory tone of the season. The additional stress may affect you emotionally, cognitively and physically; this is a NORMAL reaction But it is important to be prepared for these feelings.
LOWER EXPECTATIONS (Recognize that the holidays will not be the same): If you try to keep everything as it was, you’ll be disappointed. Doing things a bit differently can acknowledge the change while preserving continuity with the past.
COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS: The holiday may affect other family members. Talk over your plans. Respect their choices and needs, and compromise if necessary.
AVOID ADDITIONAL STRESS (accept your limitations): Decide what you really want to do, and what can be avoided. Do the right thing — not what others think is right, but what you need and want to do.
It’s OK to feel SAD.
It’s OK to feel GOOD. Give yourself permission to laugh and even have fun. Some individuals feel guilty if they find themselves enjoying an activity. Laughing is your body’s way of letting you relax and regain some strength for a few moments during your grief.
CRY, CRY, CRY: Allow yourself to cry when you feel the need. It helps you both physically and emotionally. It has an effect similar to exercise in that it reduces stress and calms anxiety.
CONFIDE IN SOMEONE: Find someone to listen who does not feel he must fix the problem. They need to be able to listen over and over to the words that are bottled up inside. (A friend, pastor, counselor.)
TRADITIONS: Keep the old OR start something new.
MEMORIALIZE your loved one: Make it meaningful to you.You may choose to light a candle, hang a special ornament, or buy and donate a gift in memory of your loved one.
Although these special tributes may cause tears, they are usually helpful and therapeutic in helping you through the holidays. Have the family all participate in choosing what to do. Review your lists together, and come to agreement. Help one another with what they need to do to accomplish their gift to their loved one.
The BOTTON LINE is –Make it comfortable for you!
If you are grieving this holiday season, we at Hospice of Guernsey want to extend an invitation to you, offering support in the weeks and months ahead.
For more information on Handling the Holidays: There will be a group meeting on the topic on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at5:30 p.m. at the Hospice office, 9711 East Pike Road, Cambridge.
For more information on bereavement support, contact me at 740-432-7440.
Blessings to you and yours this Holiday Season!
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW is bereavement coordinator for Hospice of Guernsey.
Posted on November 19, 2015
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 Bourdeau 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. I hope you will consider joining us for the Holiday Memorial Service on December 10th. The Hospice staff will be in attendance to meet with you.
Upcoming events:
Lunch Bunch …..December 8 at noon at Annie K’s in Barnesville
Memorial Service….. @ Southgate Hotel (Formerly the Holiday Inn) in Cambridge December 10 at 6:00 pm
Lunch Bunch…..December 14 at noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge
Friends of Faith….December 14…A social group meeting for lunch@ Annie K’s@ noon. For questions, contact Lydia Young at 614-313-5525
Breakfast Support Group….December 17 @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley @ 9:00 am
Suicide Survivor’s Group…..December 17 at 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lee’s
Support Group…..The group meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month in Cambridge will not meet this month.
I am also available by phone or appointment. For more information on above events, call 740-432-7440. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happier New Year!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on November 17, 2015
Each year Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. creates a dove ornament to honor your loved ones. This year the ornament also celebrates Hospice of Guernsey’s 30th anniversary. The ornament is an iridescent bulb with a poem, white feathers and snow inside. They are each tied with a gold bow and a plantable seed tag. A donation of $6 per ornament is requested.
The ornaments will decorate the Dove Trees in each community Hospice of Guernsey serves.
Guernsey: Mr. Lee’s Restaurant and Peoples Bank (845 Wheeling Ave.) in Cambridge
Noble: Farmers & Merchants Bank in Caldwell
Belmont: Wes Banco in Barnesville
Funds raised will go to patient care and bereavement services.
The ornaments are yours to keep and can be picked up from the location they are displayed anytime throughout the holidays, OR they will be returned to the Hospice office the week after New Years. They can be picked up at Hospice of Guernsey until January 31.
Click here for the Dove Ornament order form.
Posted on September 30, 2015
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.
Posted on August 3, 2015
Overall Runners:
Male
Madison Lawton 19.21
Trey Dougherty 19.32
Zack Anderson 20.15
Female
Jenna Furr 20.20
Katie Salins 21.23
Sylvia Magis 21.44
Top Walkers
John Allman 40.17
Meredith Roudebush 40.59
15 & Under Runners
Male
Cole Smith 20.23
Jon Duperier 20.42
Ben Ogle 21.42
Female
Savanah Anderson 22.29
Marissa Ritchie 27.32
Kaylee Smith 27.33
16-20 Runners
Male
Zavin Orr 23.32
Morgan Dougherty 25.03
RJ Douglas 25.04
Female
Rachel Jamiel 22.12
Moriah Carson 22.14
Tia Johnson 23.40
21-30 Runners
Male
Zack Eubanks 28.35
Brian Petta 28.36
Jarod Eubanks 29.22
Female
Nikki Montgomery 22.30
Kelsey Bugher 24.46
Dylan Bugher 27.37
31-40 Runners
Male
Owen Williams 25.14
Howard Wetzler 25.51
Joseph O’Hanlon 27.48
Female
Amanda Koch 25.34
Shannon Wetzler 27.51
Leann Mallernee 28.42
41-50 Runners
Male
Mark Jamiel 21.45
Steve Cartell 26.11
Joe Good 36.44
Female
Kim Orr 26.01
Traci Grywalski 26.33
Mary Tilton 30.13
51-60 Runners
Male
Walter Ecrod 23.41
Tom Orr 26.00
Joe Pieper 36.39
Female
Jeannette Wierzbiki 26.59
Connie Rich 32.29
Grace Pieper
60 and over
Male
Terry Losego 28.2
Female
Lura Wilcoxen 35.41
Chris Woodard 36.13
Posted on July 2, 2015
Get a Sign-up Form
Posted on February 13, 2015
Kids – get your paint brushes ready and your pencils sharpened. It’s time to get creative and your efforts just might brighten someone’s day. Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. is excited to announce their Moments of Life Art Contest.
There are three divisions: Elementary, Middle and High School. Submitted artwork will be displayed in Southeastern Med’s lobby from April 13 to 24 for the public to view. The winner of each division will be chosen by a “People’s Choice” ballot. After the art show has completed, the art will be donated to hospice patients to brighten their day.
Artwork must be submitted by Friday, April 3, 2015 with a completed information form. Artwork should be created on a 22 x 28 inch piece of posterboard, foamboard, cardboard, or canvas. Students are encouraged to work as a class or in groups to complete the artwork, but solo submissions will be accepted as well.
Artwork can be dropped off at Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. located at 9711 East Pike Rd., Cambridge, OH 43725. Teachers or office staff can arrange a mass pick up from your school by contacting Jenna Conaway at 740-432-7440.
Posted on November 21, 2013
Welcome to the new website of Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. Feel free to take a look around!
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