In honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day on Nov. 21, 2023, we asked some of our clients and volunteers to explore their thoughts, feelings and reflections on how two of our programs — the Bereavement Walking Group and the One-to-One Bereavement Companion Match —have impacted their grief journey.
Here are their stories…
“It was a relief to find out from other participants that what I was experiencing on this grief journey was normal.”
Luann’s spouse, Howie, passed away on October 24, 2022. She started to receive bereavement support through our One-to-One Bereavement Companion Match program with Theresa in April of 2023. She then joined the Bereavement Walking Group in September of this year.
ONE-TO-ONE BEREAVEMENT COMPANION MATCH PROGRAM
“The One-to-One Bereavement Match has been a godsend. I feel like I have been sent an angel to help me travel the grief journey rollercoaster. It is good to know there is someone who provides support through words & actions. And is willing to listen when I need to express my fears. Plus, share in my joy when I have managed a grief hurdle.”
LUANN, CLIENT
“As a volunteer, I have appreciated the opportunity to get to know Luann and to be with her on her grief journey. We both enjoy walking, and it has been a pleasure to meet up and walk the Iron Horse Trail together on a weekly basis. We have shared some intimate thoughts and feelings and I value Luann’s willingness to be open and honest with me. My role is to listen and reflect back when I can, and I hope my experience has been beneficial for Luann.”
THERESA, VOLUNTEER
BEREAVEMENT WALKING GROUP
“The Bereavement Walking Group has provided me with many benefits. Walking amongst nature always helps to calm me and put me in a good emotional state. Being able to do this with other participants and volunteers who want to listen and help is a bonus. All are welcoming and I know this is a safe space to verbalize my thoughts and express my emotions. No one judges what you say or questions your feelings. It was a relief to find out from other participants that what I was experiencing on this grief journey was normal.”
LUANN, CLIENT
My parents died seven months apart and in very different ways. In the immediacy of their individual deaths, nothing seemed to prepare me for the loss or the pain or how to go about adjusting to life without them. Avoidance and distractions only worked for a short time.
“The Bereavement Walking Group and the One and One Bereavement Companionship Match were exactly what I needed while adjusting and transitioning on my grief journey. They were a blessing and a God send! I am so thankful I can participate in them.”
BEREAVEMENT COMPANION MATCH
“Being matched up with a companion has been a comforting blessing beyond words. Adjusting to the world without my parents has needed a personal touch by a volunteer who is open and empathetic and understanding of the grieving journey. Everyone experiences and processes grief differently.
Sometimes participating in a group setting wouldn’t put me in a mood to open up and share. In the abundance of chatter and tears, it wouldn’t allow me to be able to connect with individual stories or focus in on the give and take. The intensity of the energy in the group could be overwhelming and exhausting. Having a personal companion to validate and normalize my grief has been healing.
BEREAVEMENT WALKING GROUP
“I love the outdoors and walking so the concept of participating with an outdoor bereavement walking group was perfect for me. The group offers a safe space to mingle while comfortably sharing your thoughts, frustrations, and stories with others. No expectations. The sharing mixed with laughter and tears comes very easily as you learn how others have handled things on their journey while healing.
Walking outdoors by the water, taking in what the resident swans are doing while being in the company of an empathetic group has a way to re energize, refocus, and refuel the mind, body and spirit. You’re not alone. You come as you are. You share what you will. You take away what you can. And that is what I love about it.”
BEREAVEMENT WALKING GROUP
“Grief from loss is a significant life event that changes everything in “your world” as you navigate the journey of healing. People come from all walks of life to join in the BWG where we come together in sharing our story in a safe environment.
I’m inspired by the strength and courage of our participants as they deal with their loss with all its ramifications as they begin moving forward in their lives.
To see how they care, support and encourage one another as they become comfortable with each other is so rewarding as a volunteer. Many have formed lasting friendships past their tenure at the BWG and their own support groups. It’s so gratifying to know that our BWG has made a lasting positive impact on their lives. It has been a privilege and an honour to be a part of the BWG.”
BEREAVEMENT COMPANION MATCH
“A 1:1 match is a more intimate relationship with the bereaved individual. It takes time to get to know one another as we are strangers to each other. I feel it is important to share about myself with my client as well what they share so that we can develop a good rapport and are comfortable with each other. To be “an ear” to thoughts, feelings, fears, dreams and hope for the future is what I can give.
We have walks with tears, sadness, laughter and serious discussions about life all in one walk. We just go with the flow wherever it takes us. We both love nature and like to walk – something about walking and talking that is therapeutic.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have got to know such a lovely individual and to be apart of their grief journey with the ups an downs as well as celebrating the good things that happen along the way.”
Learn More
Hospice Waterloo Region provides a wide variety of programs and services in the community and at The Gies Family Centre. These programs and services are designed to help and support individuals who are living with a life-threatening illness, their families, and their care providers. Hospice also has programs for the recently bereaved.
All Hospice volunteers submit to a rigorous screening process and receive 35 hours of professional training before they can provide direct support to a client.
Do you have questions about our programs and services? Please contact us. We’d be happy to speak with you. Call us today at 519-743-4114.