Grief Support
The following are some tools available to assist you in your healing journey. Contact us to discuss other resources and find a personalized solution to support you on the road to recovery.
A Note from Pat Pitchford
To All Who Grieve:
As one who has lost parents, precious family members, and my spouse, I share this journey of grief you now walk.
Grief has many emotions, each one leaving us exhausted. I often hear "I feel numb, confused, forgetful, disorganized, lost, afraid, angry, out of control, or overwhelmed." We may ask ourselves, "What is wrong with me?" "Am I going crazy?" "Why can I not seem to function?"
You are not alone. We will walk with you and provide support through the days, weeks and months to come. Our commitment does not end at the funeral service, but extends beyond.
Our AFTERCARE Program is exactly what it says: care for you personally, addressing the questions and needs you have in the days to come. This page will provide answers to "What do I do now?" I am available to address any questions or needs you may have.
Remember, you are not alone.
Sincerely,
Pat Pitchford Page
Aftercare Provider
(270) 365-5595
info@milnerandorr.com
info@morgansfuneralhome.com
joe@lakelandchapel.com
365 Days of Healing
With our daily emails of comfort and hope, you will feel supported knowing we’re here to walk with you through your journey of grief.
Sign Up Now
Just One of Many
Here’s one example of our 365 Days of Healing emails, designed to offer advice, tell stories, and otherwise help you heal.
Why Aftercare?
The support and understanding we have around us will make a difference in how we experience and handle grief. The more support we have, the quicker our recovery.
However, we still need time to reflect on our loss, to mourn, and to accept the changes in our life. Aftercare helps you do this.
Our Aftercare provider offers help through personal contact, free grief counseling, and is available to help with individual needs. We're here for you...now and beyond.
Aftercare Services
- Personal contact with our Aftercare provider.
- Personalized, step-by-step information packet to assist you.
- Individual grief counseling.
- Widow support group held monthly.
- Church, community organizations and school presentations on grief, death or funeral planning.
- Lending library full of grief resources for healthcare professionals, clergy and those who mourn a loss.
- Community-Wide Programs - Our Holiday Memorial service is an annual community event. We also sponsor seminars throughout the year dealing with grief.
- Trees of Remembrance - A tree is planted in a national forest in memory of your loved one.
Now and Beyond
Widow Support Group
"Now and Beyond" is a support group for people who have lost a spouse. In this warm, caring atmosphere, help, healing, and new friends are waiting.
Pat Pitchford, our Aftercare Provider, facilitates the group with compassion and encouragement. The support you will find here makes it a comfortable place to learn and share (if you want to), laugh (if you feel like it), and cry (if you need to).
We meet from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. the second Friday of each month at Lourdes Hospital, Marshal Nemar Pavilion in the Doug Borders Community Room.
Click for map of Lourdes area
If you would like more information about our Aftercare services we will be pleased to assist you with any questions you may have. Please call (270) 365-5595 or (270) 442-5100
Now and Beyond Widow Support Group Annual Picnic
Grief & Healing Websites
GriefShare
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
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Web Healing
Web Healing offers grief discussion boards where you can talk with others who are grieving or browse recommended books on grief.
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The Compassionate Friends
Whether your family has had a child die (at any age, from any cause), or you are helping those who have gone through this life-altering experience, The Compassionate Friends exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the grieving process as a parent.
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AARP
With AARP you’ll find articles, discussions, and helpful information on dealing with end-of-life care, the challenges faced by caregivers, and how to deal with grief after a loss.
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Children & Grief
When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing your own feelings, you and your children can cope with painful times and begin your healing journey together.
The following links provide more detailed information on topics related to helping children and teens cope with loss.
When Families Grieve™
This guide was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children's understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss.
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Helpful Children's Books
This list from Allina Health recommends children’s books that deal with death and grief. There are suggestions for children of all ages, from preschool to age 12. They also have books for different types of losses, such as the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or pet. With these books, you can start a meaningful conversation with your child and help them understand their feelings
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More Advice
Here you'll find a Huffington Post article by Judith Acosta containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid, which counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in a variety of situations, including the death of a loved one. If you find the advice in the article helpful, you may want to read her book for even more insight.
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