GRIEF SUPPORT MESSAGE

September 2020

​

Hello again my WPS Sisters and Brothers,

 
I pray you can meet the challenges of not only your personal grief but also these daily difficult times of uncertainty. We are continuing our current and last Grief Support Session for 2020 that ends September 20th.  I am sorry we could not accommodate all who may have wanted to attend, but we were limited because of social distancing.  What helps us all during these times are phone calls, texts, emails and other forms of technological communication.

 
Try our closed Facebook page. Sign up by searching on Facebook “Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County,” then select “join.”  You will find daily updated information on what is happening and are more than welcome to post.  Your information is safe, and the people you will be posting to are only other WPS members.  This is another way for us to continue to be a support group for each other.   

In the early days (first year) after my husband died, I was always on the lookout for something that would ease my pain and guide me to enjoy life again.  I found WPS.  Perhaps some of the tools I learned could help you, too. 

Take care of yourself. We need to take care of ourselves first.  It is not out of selfishness, but out of wisdom. Missing them.  We struggle to find ways to fill that void by trying new interests, hobbies, books, prayers, whatever will lessen the pain.  Find motivation. We need to find reasons to get up in the morning, to get off the couch, answer the phone.  Establishing a routine.  We each need to figure out what works for us by trial and error.  There is no “One Way.”  Follow your heart and go at your own pace.  Reading about those who walked before us.  There are many books online or in the library about grief.  Journaling.  Writing about our ups and downs helps to “vent” our feelings.  Trigger events.  As we go and feel proud we are making progress, out of the blue something can trigger a bad day - a song, etc.  Exercise.  It gives us a chance to breathe differently as we vent those feelings.  Acceptance.  Our minds have finally accepted that “it” happened.  (Adapted from Grief Digest, Centering Corporation, 866-218-0101.) 

Have a fun, safe Labor Day weekend with family and friends.  It is hard to believe the first day of fall is September 22nd.  Happy September Birthdays!!  Put your right hand on your left shoulder, your left hand on your right shoulder, and squeeze.  That is a big hug from me! 
 
Ruth Turner 
Certified Grief Support Facilitator and Outreach Chairman 

GRIEF SUPPORT SCHEDULE 2020

All Support Meetings are 2:30 to 4:30 pm on

Sunday.

​

Following each session, those who wish to go meet at a nearby restaurant for dinner, which provides a good opportunity to get to know each other. 

​

JANUARY 12, 19, 26, FEBRUARY 2, 9  COMPLETED
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2720 S UNIVERSITY DR, FORT WORTH, TX 76109.
FACILITATOR: BILL JONES

FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 1, 8, 15 CANCELLED
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BURLESON, 317 W ELLISON ST, BURLESON, TX 76028.
FACILITATOR: RUTH TURNER

MARCH 22, 29, APRIL 5, (SKIP 12 EASTER), 19, 26  CANCELLED
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 2720 S UNIVERSITY DR, FORT WORTH, TX 76109.
FACILITATOR: COY STUDER

MAY 31, JUNE 7, 14, 21, 28  CANCELLED
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1218 E DEBBIE LN, MANSFIELD, TX 76063.
FACILITATOR: PHYLLIS WEISHEIT

JULY 12, 19, 26, AUGUST 2, 9  CANCELLED
GENESIS METHODIST CHURCH, 7635 HULEN ST, FORT WORTH, TX 76133.
FACILITATOR: RUTH TURNER

AUGUST 16, 23, 30, (SKIP SEP 6, LABOR DAY), SEPTEMBER 13, 20  ON SCHEDULE
PLEASANTVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH, 4400 PLEASANTVIEW DR, ARLINGTON, TX 76107.
FACILITATOR: BILL JONES

SEPTEMBER 27, OCTOBER 4, 11, 18, 25 CANCELLED
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 2720 S UNIVERSITY DR, FORT WORTH, TX 76109.
FACILITATOR: PHYLLIS WEISHEIT 

NOVEMBER 8 - HOLIDAY GRIEF SUPPORT CANCELLED
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 2720 S UNIVERSITY DR, FORT WORTH, TX 76109.

NOVEMBER 15 - CANDLELIGHT REMEMBRANCE SERVICE at 3:00 pm  CANCELLED
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 2720 S UNIVERSITY DR, FORT WORTH, TX 76109.