Supporting Others

Beauty found at the edges: a portrait of community support

I’d sent a text saying “Hello friends, I’m putting out a call for flowers. I went to public school with Kory, the young man who died in downtown Cobourg this week, and though I hadn’t seen him in recent years, I feel the loss of him on a community level, as I imagine you do, too. Some of Kory’s people are gathering tonight in vigil at the bank where he died, and I’m gathering flowers from those of us who have gardens to share with this grieving community. Do you have some blooms in your garden that you’d be willing to share?”

Adrianna – Pandemic, funerals and celebration of life

Adrianna talks about the death of her friend during pandemic

Grief, Breastfeeding, and Care

In this essay, I share a bit about my story of grief and breastfeeding. I also share some thoughts about the cultural grief some people are carrying about the lack of support afforded to lactating families whose goal it is to feed their baby from their body. I use some gendered language throughout this essay…

John – Being helpful to someone in grief

John shares his thoughts on how to help someone in grief

John Martin Understanding Grief part 3

John Martin Understanding Grief part 3

John talks about grief work and things you need to go through to come out the other side

Grief and Disability: Carrie’s Story

It has become clear to me over time that we have much work to do to ensure the delivery of disability-sensitive grief literacy and grief support. In March of 2022 my proposal for four 1-hour sessions was approved, we provided the program for 20 participants. My heart was full in each session.

My heart remains full of hope that conversations, education, and expertise about disability sensitive end of life care and grief support will gain momentum as more and more people join in on this vital conversation.

John Martin – Understanding Grief part 2

John talks about permission to grieve

Lisa -Advice to grievers

Lisa explains her thoughts about how to help someone in grief

Amber – Keeping Dad’s memory alive

Amber tells how she set up a Dad adventure day to keep the memory of her father alive for her kids and husband

Donna – “Helping a grieving friend”

Donna shares some practical ways to help someone in grief.

Zoreena – Support systems

Zoreena explains the importance of support systems

Janice – “The importance of listening”

Janice explains the importance of not being judgemental and listening when helping someone is in grief.