October Memorial 2018

I learned that our experience with loss is unique to each of us and our families, but that we can all teach each other something no matter if our loss was recent or not.

I was asked again to be the MC for the Annual Sharing Parents October Memorial Event. It was really special for me to be able to do this as it is Olivia's 5th Birthday this year. The event was beautiful as always and an amazing way to be able to celebrate her as a family.

Just a month prior to the memorial I was observing a 4 week series through Sharing Parents called Navigating Grief. I was doing this so that I could become a facilitator. What I realized through this series process was that I really have a heart for wanting to see parents through a small all-be-it important part of their grief journey. I learned that our experience with loss is unique to each of us and our families, but that we can all teach each other something no matter if our loss was recent or not. I was encouraged by what those attending taught me as well as what I may or may not have taught them from my sharing... I met amazing couples in the 4 week span. As an observer I spoke up more than I probably should of, I even had an opportunity one week to co-facilitate as one of the facilitators were out. I listened to my heart and I encouraged where I felt prompted to. I made sure that they each felt important, protected and cared for.

When deciding how I was going to open the Annual Memorial, I knew right away that I wanted to honor the parents of the Navigating Grief Group that I had just met. What I observed was beautiful, each couple was supportive for each other and their grief. Their intentions and actions towards one another were positive and encouraging. They came as healthy couples but they left with an even better understanding as to how their partners are grieving currently and what it is that they need to feel supported. I want this for all other families and so I choose to continue to share my grief journey with others...

​-Geoff

Opening Comments Audio (Click on the link below to listen) (3min, 33sec)

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