"Walking Through Grief", Sponsored by Mercy Hospice

Topics - Understanding Grief, Remembering, Accepting & Expressing Feelings, Role Changes, Stress & Coping, Anniversaries, Memorialization, Support Systems

Tuesdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm (April 12, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)

Mercy South, Board Room, 638 S. Blvd, Clinton, Iowa

For Questions Call (563) 244-3766

Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Mt. Carroll Church of God, Upper Level Main Entrance, Corner of Rt 64 & Rt 78

Walk-Ins Welcome, DVDs, Discussion & Workbook, Biblically Based

For more information, Call Paula - (815) 291-3461 or (815) 244-1114

You bring up that interesting concept of time in your message.  We have all heard the cliche 'it will get better in time'.  That is true, although for some people in fresh grief those words are understood by the brain but the heart still hurts.  'When does the pain stop?' is a common question.  It would be nice to give a certain date.  That would imply a sudden end to grief.  I believe that grieving thoughts change over time.  In the beginning every thought hurts.  As time goes on we are able to think of some of those thoughts without the stab of pain.  I've always disliked the term 'getting over it' because it doesn't really describe what happens.  The intensity diminishes, we carry on with our lives, and our grief becomes different.  It's as if we look at our grief from different perspectives.  It is time that allows us to do that. 

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.-- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Live life to the fullest...Love from your heart and mean it...Laugh often...Cry when you need too... It's all good~    Patricia

I've got one of each.......

SCRIPTURE - John 14:1-4, (Fondness of this passage was handed down from my father, as a funeral director, we hear this often and it brings comfort)

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

 ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”

POEM - The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost (1874–1963).  Mountain Interval.  1920.

It is not easy to take this path in life, but I am married to a person who is not afraid to show the way.  Thank you Lisa, I dedicate this to you. 

In our busy lives many drivers don't realize they have met a funeral procession until it is too late.  The lead vehicle of the procession normally displays an amber light, or flag.

It is not the law to pull off to the side of the roadway as you meet a procession, but merely a simple way to show your respect for the deceased, and support for the family. Time has stopped for them on that day.

As the procession nears an intersection the lead vehicle must obey all traffic signals. As the lead vehicle enters the intersection, the entire procession has the right-of-way.

The simple act of pausing for a funeral procession reminds us all that we are in this life together, and as a community, we care.

The one most important thing that we, as a funeral home, can do for you, is to give you the opportunity to be in the presence of your loved-one, one last time after death.  It can be a time - (1) of making it real and beginning to understand what has happened; (2) bringing peace to family with a comforting image of the deceased; (3) and being aware of the hope that our souls live on, and our bodies are just temporary.  These three reasons are at the core of why funeral homes exist, and why worldwide, regardless of religion, the human race has the desire to see there loved-one, one last time after death.

I invite you to share any comments that you feel may be helpful to others.

When a death occurs, simply call our toll-free number (800) 525-2264, we are available 24 hours a day.  We will work with great care and in an efficient manner to complete your wishes.   We are happy to travel to you, wherever you live, to arrange the details.  Be assured that we will communicate clearly, answer all of your questions and give the most professional care possible. To help get started, click here for our basic information form.

 Our information form requires adobe acrobat.  If you do not have adobe acrobat please download it here.

This is an area to share your experience and help those that are struggling.  During the first year after my father passed it seemed like I was riding a roller coaster.