Even the word itself sounds sad. Grief is something everyone will experience. Our church family has been hit by grief especially hard this past year. In a series of booklets, Journeying through Grief, written by Stephen Ministries founder, Dr. Kenneth C Haugk, the feeling of grief is described as being in a fog, paralyzed, dazed or confused. This is normal. Your body, mind and soul have received a shock and it will take time to heal.

The time for grieving is different for each one of us, and there is no right or wrong way to go through it. Dr. Haugk states that grief is normal, natural and necessary. It is a healthy way to cope with loss. He gives some examples of coping methods: music, prayer, exercise, screaming (yes, you may scream), and talking to name a few. Relying on our church family is of great benefit. Their prayers and caring can be a lifeline at a time when you feel as through you are drowning. God is ever with us and knows our pain. He will walk with you in your grief journey. In Psalm 6:6 the psalmist writes: :My groaning has worn me out. At night my bed and pillow are soaked with tears.” But hope is found in Psalm 147:3: “He heals the broken heated and binds their wounds.”

A copy of Journeying through Grief will be in the church library.

Another Resource for Dealing with Challenging Times:

CONTACT Community Helpline provides a toll free Helpline (1-877-266-8222) for residents of Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem Counties. Highly trained volunteers provide callers with assistance on a variety of issues such as family and interpersonal relationships, addictions, grief and loss, mental health problems, depression and suicide. Sponsored by the United Way, the Helpline provides appropriate information and referral resources and an opportunity for callers to talk about their problems.

CONTACT Reassurance:

(1-856-795-5073) is a program that provides daily calls to isolated and homebound senior citizens residing in Camden and Gloucester Counties. Trained volunteers, who will initiate emergency procedures should the senior fail to answer at a pre-arranged time, make the calls. The program’s goals are not only to check the senior’s physical well being, but to also provide support and reassurance that someone cares. The service is free of charge

By Lynda Harrison, RN

You are if you are “sandwiched” between aging parents who need care and the needs of your own children and grandchildren. Caring for aging parents can feel very unnatural and is uncomfortable at best. Planning ahead can help you and your loved ones avoid a crisis. Here are some steps the whole family can participate in:

-Discussion with your parents: What are their wishes for help as they age? What are their fears? Do they have necessary documents? (wills, power of attorney, living will). Do they have a comprehensive list of medical, insurance and financial information available in an emergency? These discussions can be difficult but will avoid problems in the future.

-Evaluation of your parents’ abilities: If you start to see a change in their physical or mental capabilities, talk to their doctor about a geriatric assessment. This is an unbiased evaluation regarding day-to-day activities and will give everyone a true picture of what help is needed.

-Involvement of the whole family: A family meeting including siblings and grandchildren is helpful to make sure that everyone understands the needs of Mom and Dad and what their part in caring for them can be. Everyone has different talents. One may be able to provide transportation to appointments, one may spend an evening reading or talking, another may cook meals or keep finances straight. Any involvement will lighten the worry your parents may have.

-Getting support and advice: This may be the most important step. Look for support groups, adult day care, respite care and legal advice. A referral service called Eldercare Locator can direct you to services in your area. They can be reached at (800) 677-1116. Don’t forget to call on your church family for prayer, meals and respite help.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." - Exodus 20:12

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." - 3 John 1:2

If you need to contact the Parish Nurses, they are Lynda Harrison or Monique Mihlebach