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 June 9, 2016
June 2016
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.
– Sara 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 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 14: Lunch Support Group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
June 16: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 p.m. at Mr. Lee’s. Must RSVP.
June 23: Breakfast Support Group @ 9 am at Patty’s Place in Caldwell.
June 27: Friends of Faith support group meets @ NOON @ Annie K’s
June 28: CANCELLED Support Group at 5:30 pm at the hospice office.
June 27-June 29: Kids Kamp at Deerassic Park from 10-2 each day.
Kids ages 6-12 eligible. Call Lois or Terri for details at 432-7440.
I pray God’s blessings on you as you continue to “reconnect with your heart”.
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
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 March 30, 2016
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: There are many things happening in the area of bereavement. Check them out!
April 11: “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 noon at Mr. Lee’s. (own expense) This is a group that lends itself to fellowship, support and food. Join us.
April 12: Lunch Group in Barnesville @ 11:00 am @ Annie K’s. (Come and join us. The SNOW is gone! Missed you the last few months!)
April 21: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lees in Cambridge.
April 25: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s
April 26: Grief Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice Office
April 28 : Breakfast Support group @9:00 am at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
As always, if you have any questions or if you need to talk, I am available. With warm thoughts…
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
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.
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