Voices of Experience: Sacred Presence, Silent Compassion

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by Joyce Marie Sheldon

We have all experienced grief and loss during our journey on this earth. It isn't always about the death of a loved one, but can be the loss of a job, a relationship, financial security, our own health.

There's much written on how to be supportive to others during their time of grief and I contemplate the many good suggestions for being a friend and supporter during times of stress.

For me, however, the greatest gift, often brought by hospice or home care during my husband's illness, was Sacred Presence and Silent Compassion.

Let's talk about Sacred Presence and Silent Compassion as it relates specifically to the caregiver during the illness and subsequent death of a loved one. However, let's remember these simple guidelines can be incorporated into the setting where you are wondering how to show love and support for those suffering other types of loss.

Caregiving and Hospice, November 18 - November 24, 2012

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

Categorized Technology for Family Caregiving, http://buff.ly/WGuKX5 from @CaregivingCafe via @NFCAcaregivers

Five Principles For Elder Caregiving, http://j.mp/TgGzh1 via @SeniorList

Engage With Grace This Thanksgiving, http://j.mp/UVcGm2

Create your caregiving team with family and friends: Start a Personal, Safe, Free Website for Any Health Event,  http://ow.ly/eZgki « CaringBridge

Often confused with hospice care, the scope of palliative care is broader, http://bit.ly/QusSPJ via @hospicepharmacy

Understanding and Managing Grief, November 18 - November 24, 2012

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

Strengthen Your Spiritual Link As You Mourn The Death Of Your Loved One, http://j.mp/ShyhIc

New bereavement support standards for palliative care services in Victoria (pdf), http://bit.ly/10m5LIA @LDMatters via @tweet_acgb

Absolutely stunning: The Poetry of Sandy « Art Beat | PBS NewsHour | PBS, http://j.mp/TleffS

Terrific film review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel  http://j.mp/UjdJzB « The Family Plot Blog

For That, I Am Thankful,  http://j.mp/XDjlbR « Grief Healing Blog

Coping with Pet Loss, November 18 - November 24, 2012

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

Lean on me: Loving and losing a dog, http://ow.ly/fwsUx via @MySmartPuppy

New England Pet Hospice: But What if I DON'T Feel Thankful? http://j.mp/UMeDAT

How to know when it's time to say goodbye to an animal companion, http://j.mp/QRDDv4

On This Day of Giving Thanks ~

On this Thanksgiving Day ~ and throughout the holiday season, dear readers ~ please know that I am thankful for each and every one of you.  ~ Marty Tousley

Grief Support Groups: What Are the Benefits?

A reader writes: Today is exactly two months since my husband died. I have been crying since Sunday, after my son and his fiancé left. I can't seem to find any joy in anything. Two of our children are getting married, I have a new grandchild on the way, there is so much happy stuff going on, and I just want to cry. Maybe I’ve been trying to be brave. Nobody likes a downer, but damn it, I feel like a downer. I just saw an ad in the newspaper for a grief group that’s starting this month, and I really feel I need this. I have never been one to join a group, but this is more then I can deal with. Do these groups really help? There are six sessions, all dealing with different steps. Is it worth trying? Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.  Read on here >>>

Caregiving and Hospice, November 11 - November 17, 2012

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

What Is Palliative Care? An Interview with Dawn Gross, http://j.mp/T2mA5E « SevenPonds Blog

Helpful! Tips for a Grinchless Holiday Season, http://bit.ly/UIRSUw via @todayscaregiver

Furry friends are powerful allies in getting through tough days of caregiving! http://ow.ly/ewiM4 via @KathrynMurphyCK

Excellent! Act Like You’re Dying to Start Living Well, http://buff.ly/UJmy2b by @LostInYourCare via @CaregivingCafe

Start a Calendar as a Meal Planner, http://buff.ly/UJhNWh Caregiving Tool by @CaringBridge via @CaregivingCafe

Understanding and Managing Grief, November 11 - November 17, 2012

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

The source of the love we feel is always with us, http://j.mp/TKlmdY

Well said! Am I In Love With Grief? http://j.mp/QP9Ing

Webinar: Helping Children Cope with Their Own Dying or the Death of a Loved One, offered Tuesday, November 20, from 12 noon to 1:30 PM Eastern Time, http://bit.ly/PYYUla by @hfahospice

When You Are Grieving, Thanksgiving Day Feels Painful, http://j.mp/UJemEJ by @HopefulMJ via @selfgrowthnow

Poem "Where is the Angel?" http://j.mp/T0upst by @HopefulMJ

Coping with Pet Loss, November 11 - November 17, 2012

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

While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil. ~John Taylor,  http://bit.ly/VZtQV8

If You've Ever Loved a Dog, http://j.mp/TOjjIm by Nancy Calhoun 

Coping with the Holidays: Suggested Resources, 2012

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If you find special days (holidays, birthdays, death day anniversaries and the like) to be more than you can bear, please know that you are not alone. Support is available! Many community agencies make an extra effort to provide  programs to help you cope with special days, especially at this challenging time of year. Contact your local hospice, funeral home, or healthcare organization to learn what offerings and services are open to you.

In addition, the Internet is a rich and abundant resource where you can find and read any number of articles, books and tips aimed at helping you discover practical and creative ways to get through these difficult days. What follows is a list of links to many such resources ~ and if you know of any not listed that you'd like to see included, please feel free to add them in the Comments section below.