Grief and Loss

Grief is described as “intense sorrow” and for the thousands of people who experience this when a loved one dies, grief is one of the most difficult of human emotions to explore and seek resolution and acceptance. Grief never totally goes away on its own; but a person can learn to deal with grief in their own special way. Usually grief begins in the lonely times, after the rush of activity following the loss of a loved one. Family and friends go back to their routine and then the lonely evenings, days, and weekends become almost unbearable.

State of the Heart Hospice bereavement specialists can help individuals through one of life’s most difficult times. Often, those grieving feel as if they are adrift in a vast ocean with no shore in sight and no way to reach peacefulness and happiness again. State of the Heart offers Grief Support meetings for both adults and children. All sessions are free. Specialists also help by scheduling one-on-one sessions to talk with individuals about the emotional, social and spiritual pain they are experiencing. It is the Grief Support meetings, though, which have proven to be extremely helpful to those trying to regain some normalcy in their lives and to heal some of the emotional pain they are feeling. During the group sessions, participants are encouraged to listen and share with others. Often, people share how they are coping and how they are dealing with their own pain and feelings of loss. The grief specialist guides and serves as a “companion” for those receiving grief support services, focusing on helping the person learn to feel it is all right to grieve, realize they are like others who feel the raw pain and hurts, and that there is the definite chance they can confront their personal grief and loss issues.

Annual Remembrance Gathering

Remembering a loved one is part of the grieving and healing process. State of the Heart annually holds a celebration and remembrance gatherings in November to honor and remember those who have died. There is special music, scripture readings, words of sharing, and a coming together of hundreds of people who share a common bond: they are remembering and honoring a loved one. State of the Heart and area funeral homes host these meaningful gatherings which are open to anyone who has lost a loved one, not just those remembering someone who was a hospice patient. Each year, more people attend these gatherings, to share in their love and honor of a loved one. A traditional candle lighting ceremony offers a special touch to the event.

Community Support

State of the Heart offers a unique service to communities served by the local non-profit agency. That special service is grief support for not only families who lost a loved one who was cared for by State of the Heart, but for anyone in the communities served who are dealing with grief and loss issues. Increasingly, more people with no association with hospice care, are seeking grief support from State of the Heart. The agency’s grief specialists maintain a relationship with area school officials and guidance counselors. The specialists hold grief support groups at area schools, helping children who have experienced the loss of a family member, and in some instances a favorite teacher or classmate. School officials can ask for these services, which are also free.