Spring Letter: A Symbol of Support

April 2025

They may have come together at the worst time of their lives – these women have lost their spouses, their life partners. But in the midst of their loss, they found each other.

Led by Maria, Hospice’s Spiritual Care Practitioner, the members of the Spousal Grief Support Group describe themselves as “sisters” and take comfort and strength from each other. “I’m just the facilitator,” says Maria. “I arrange the meetings every month and these ladies do all the hard work. As they have grown together, they now don’t just meet monthly with me, they now go to lunch, they text, and talk to each other all the time. They are helping each other heal.”

Tammy, Carla, Deb, Marilyn, and Mary Kay all lost their husbands within the last 18 months, and they are all still in that place they describe as “a fog of grief.” But they also agree that there’s light in the fog…and it is emanating from this group.

“It is so difficult for your family and friends to understand,” says Tammy. “You’re just hollow and numb, and just when you think you’re doing okay – you hear a song on the radio, and it brings you to your knees.”

Each had a different journey, but they all agree that with guidance from Hospice’s Maria, and support from each other, they are making progress.

“We’re learning how to live again,” explains Tammy. “No-one tells you how to handle losing your person – I thought I would be able to come out of this in a couple of months, and start living my life again. That didn’t happen – and I’m so grateful for this group for showing me that it’s okay.”

Surprisingly, when they meet, there’s also so much laughter– even through their tears. This group of ladies has become a family – a community that has become their safe space.

Hospice offers support to patients, their families, and caregivers, from diagnosis, through care, and into the grieving process. “Hospice is so much more than anyone knows,” says Carla. “We didn’t know that this support system was available, but we are so grateful – it is literally life-changing. I tell these ladies all the time – you saved me.”

On one of their recent group outings, they all purchased matching woven bracelets to represent their friendship. These ladies all wear their bracelets proudly, as a symbol of their support for one another.

We need your help.

Grief is something that will affect us all, at one time or another. Your donation today would help ensure that groups like our Spousal Grief Support Group, as well as the clinical care provided both in our Residences, and in patients’ own homes, can continue to be provided at no cost in our community. This is what you make possible with your donation to Hospice…care and support, each and every day.

Click here to show your support!