“We are not alone; beyond the differences that separate us, we share one common humanity and thus belong to each other. The mystery of life is that we discover this humanness not when we are powerful and strong, but when we are vulnerable and weak.”
– Henri Nouwen,
“Our Greatest Gift”
When you are grieving it can feel like you are lugging an invisible suitcase. It can feel heavy and burdensome. When people ask how you are, should you mention the suitcase? Do you dare open it, in public? What if everything comes cascading out? What happens then?
Grief groups offer the opportunity to set that heavy bag down, perhaps to open it and share some of what is inside with others. You have a chance to sort through memories, impressions and ideas, and consider what you are carrying and how you are carrying it. Are there things you would like to release? If you have been silently lugging your own invisible suitcase for way too long, consider joining one of our groups below where you can find travelling companions who can lighten your load for the journey ahead.
As Henri Nouwen writes, “We are not alone…we belong to each other.”
— Chaplain Jenny Schroedel
Grief Support (offered via Zoom)
The Invisible Suitcase
Wednesday, September 17, 7-8 p.m. CT
Attendees will be invited to share their own experiences of “carrying” their stories. What would you like to hold onto and what would you like to release?
Our Greatest Gift Book Club
Tuesdays, September 9 – October 14, 11a.m.-12 p.m. CT
We’ll explore spiritual dimensions of caregiving and reflect on what it means to die well. (Books will be provided).
Optage Hospice Chaplain Jenny Schroedel facilitates grief groups across PHS sites and in the larger community. Jenny is also an author of Naming The Child: Hope-filled Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death.
If you are interested in joining a group or establishing one at your community, contact Optage Hospice or call 651-746-8200. Optage is the home and community services division of Presbyterian Homes & Services.