Finding A Friend in Grief

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.  ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

A reader writes: Marty, I just wanted to write and thank you for your Grief Healing Discussion Groups website. It's been 6 months since I lost my horse, Domino. I know you recently heard from my friend, Anita, who lost her dog shortly after I lost Domino last August. Although Anita lives in Canada and I live in the States, we have developed a wonderful friendship via email and telephone calls.

Caregiving and Hospice, June 2 - June 8, 2019

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Paging Dr. Spot, http://j.mp/2WOYOVG « AAMC News

Does Medicine Have a Wall of Silence? http://j.mp/2WMChbX « Medpage Today

The Truth about Hospice, http://j.mp/2QOU7po « Benevilla

In Grief: Supporting the Survivor of Suicide Loss

Find an updated version of this post here:

Grief After Suicide Loss: Supporting A Friend

A reader writes: Six months ago I learned that a dear friend’s husband died by suicide. He was found hanging in their garage. As horrible as that was, I’ve just been told that yesterday their 17-year-old son took his own life too, and in the very same way. We are all in a state of shock. I don’t know what I can do to help her. I don’t even know where to begin. Would you have any suggestions or words of wisdom for me?

Understanding and Managing Grief, October 15 - October 21, 2017

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Why Do Friendships Change After a Significant Loss? http://j.mp/2guyTvQ «The 5 Facets

Finding the Safe, Helpful People We Need, http://j.mp/2gu03q8 « The Grief Toolbox

Coping With What You Can't Control, http://j.mp/2gvNVVv « Psych Central

Understanding and Managing Grief, March 9 - March 15, 2014

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

In Grief, Try Personal Rituals, http://j.mp/1grf9TZ « The Atlantic

The 5 Major Ways Grief Changes the Whole Person, http://j.mp/OqCgmR « GriefMinisterdotcom

Grief In The News this past month, http://j.mp/1cGssQY « Hello Grief

Understanding and Managing Grief, May 12 - May 18, 2013

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

The Truth about Grief, http://j.mp/11KiZmv « Grief Digest Magazine

Alan Wolfelt: Grief and the Capacity to Love Part II, http://j.mp/12AyIkE « Grief Digest Magazine

Sesame Street and Grief: talking about grief before it was cool, http://j.mp/12Ag9Nu « What's Your Grief

"Do You Have Any Siblings?" How to answer that question after the death of a sibling, http://j.mp/110L01q « Hello Grief

Remember What You Love: Deep Friendship and Thriving Plants, http://j.mp/10vxmYp « Elaine Mansfield

The Widowed Pen Pal Program

The following comes to us from Michele Neff Hernandez, founder of Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation, and I'm delighted to share it here:

The SSLF Widowed Pen Pal program, formerly known as Widow Match, can connect you with a peer with whom you can share the ups and downs of the widowhood journey. You may choose to connect by email, phone, or whatever feels comfortable.

Peer support can be an invaluable resource for widowed people of all ages. You might talk about things other people don't understand, air feelings that are overwhelming, or just discuss what happened during your day. Most of all, you will know that you are not alone. Note: Peer support does not take the place of professional counseling, is not a forum for spiritual guidance, or financial or legal advice. These friendships should not be a burden on either party.

The SSLF Widowed Pen Pal program is the only program like this anywhere, with a track record of outstanding friendships since 2009. The SSLF Widowed Pen Pal program is just one of Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation’s innovative and lifesaving programs for widows and widowers.