advertorial
How to guide
grief counselors understand and can help and have the children release balloons with their own messages tied to the string. Have children read a holiday themed book that was special to your loved one. Do the same with favorite Bible passages to celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas or other faith tradition.
By Olympia Cianfichi, BSW / CT
You are probably reading this article because someone close to you has died or maybe you have had a different kind of loss. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy and hope we can provide reassurance that you are not alone. The holiday season is upon us – the COMMUNICATE “most wonderful time of the year!” Communicate by discussing choices Time with family and friends to share with family. Remember, the way in traditions, customs and spiritual beliefs which we deal with grief may be differis becoming a reality. However, this ent, talking about plans is important. year is different. … Perhaps you have For example, do we put up a tree or experienced a significant loss in your not? Should we have a traditional meal life, or experienced the death of someor plan something different? Do we one special. Both can leave us feeling a attend temple, church service or Mass Cianfichi myriad of emotions and confusion. Our together? body, mind and spirit is reacting to the Since we all deal with loss in our loss in the form of GRIEF! own particular way, there is no “right” or “wrong” way Grief counselors understand the confusion grief to grieve. Compromise is essential. Working together may cause in everyday life and recognize that holiday gives us renewed strength and hope, so choose time magnifies emotions. What can be done to “get activities that will benefit most of the family. During through” this sometimes difficult time? Here are a the holidays we feel the presence of our loved one’s few suggestions designed to help us survive this absence. Finding ways to recognize and acknowledge season. that individual can bring positive focus to our grief CHERISH MEMORIES Create a memory tree. Everyone can bring an ornament, made or purchased, in your loved one’s memory to decorate the tree. Get family and friends together to share their memoires of your loved one. Talk about vacations, events and any special times that are most important to you. Mention your loved one’s name and talk about their favorite foods, music or special sayings they used. Light a special candle in celebration of the memory of a life and love shared. Hang a “special” stocking and have those who enter your home write some memories on a small piece of paper. Place into the stocking and read them whenever you wish. Volunteer to serve a meal in memory of your loved one. Reach out to others in the form of food, clothing, or your time. Giving and caring for others can help ease the emotional pain and help in the healing process. Make a few batches of your loved one’s favorite cookies and enjoy with tea or coffee to relax. Decorate a small tree or place a wreath at the graveside. Join as a family, read a poem, say a prayer
and sooth the anticipation of what the holidays will be like without them, especially for children. JOIN OTHERS Our annual Tree Lighting on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. celebrates the lives of loved ones who have died. Reading and music during this candlelight program help us to remember the significance of a life well lived. Fellowship and refreshments are provided. Join VNA’s Bereavement Support Group on Nov. 17 or Dec. 15 “In 2012, my husband at 6 p.m. for some extra support passed after a long and conversation. illness with kidney disease. Come to our Holiday Tea – After he passed away,Itook Coping with Life Changes on Nov. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at advantage of the Bereavement VNA. Fellowship, refreshSupport Group held at the VNA ments, music and education office. Attending the group was provided. All events held at VNA Hospice 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant. Call 570-383-5180. Programs are open to the public with no charge.
12 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B12] | 10/04/17
16:18 | GELIKROBER
very helpful in assisting with my healing. The staff was very helpful.”
OCTOBER 2017
— Sharon Chapman, R.N., BSN, CDE Diabetes Nurse Educator