Passing of Husband. Looking for bereavement group

[mojoe]

Hello. I am a member for over a year but this is my first post so I hope I do it correctly. I am so sorry to say that my beloved husband, Joe, passed away on January 31, 2012. I am truly heartbroken. We were only living in The Villages for 15 months and having a blast. He was 67. I am in New Jersey now where I brought Joe home to be buried. Our family is all here, four daughters and their mates, and 12 grandchildren. I am coming back to The Villages with one of my daughters and her family on February 29. I am in need of a bereavement group. I am hurting and I know I need grief counseling. I am not making any rash decisions on where or what I will do next but for now I would like to know if anyone knows of a grief counselor, or group in or near The Villages. Thank you for your help. Maureen

[skyguy79]

I don't know of a counselor, but I do want to take the time to express my condolences on your loss. May the fond memories of you hubby help ease the pain you must feel as you go forward. Joe

[lanabanana73]

Maureen, am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you had just settled in to your "retired life" and planned on having many years to enjoy your new life in TV. I hope someone is able to help you with a grief counselor. It's great that you recognize that it would be helpful. Surely in a city of mostly silver haired people, there must be many services available to people in your situation.

Hugs!

[Happinow]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Maureen. I'm sure someone will have the answer for you on this forum. Your family and Villages family will help you through this tough time.

[mojoe]

Thanks for your caring.

[eweissenbach]

I don't know of a counselor, but I do want to take the time to express my condolences on your loss. May the fond memories of you hubby help ease the pain you must feel as you go forward. Joe

I too am very sorry for your loss. I am sure it is difficult, but skyguy is correct in saying the good memories are the legacy we all leave behind some day. You will always have those memories to warm your heart.

[mrfixit]

Maureen,

.....We are truly sorry to hear of the passing of Joe.
God must have needed another Angel.
May the Good Lord allow you to find peace,
in this time of great sorrow.

Our prayers are with you and yours.

J. and M.

[brostholder]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I found this website that may be of help. They list a whole bunch of grief counselors. Hope it helps.

The Villages Loss or Grief Therapist - Loss or Grief Therapist The Villages, Florida (FL) - Loss or Grief Counseling The Villages (http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=The+Villages&state=FL&spec=14)

[graciegirl]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. If ever you need someone to just spend some time with I am here.

Hugs and prayers.
Grace

[starflyte1]

I sent you a private message, going into a little detail about Cornerstone Hospice. It is a wonderfully, helpful place.

[angiefox10]

Maureen,

I am so very sorry for your loss.

I sit here looking at this screen wishing I could give you the words you need to make it through this... and I just don't have them. Please consider this forum a group hug. While it's not the loving arms that you need right now, I think you know that everyone on this forum is here for you, or you wouldn't have posted here.

Please keep posting. Find the people on this forum who you feel a connection with, and when you get back home, please contact us so that we can spend time with you. So that you can tell us all about Joe and your love for him, so that he can live through all of us.

Sending positive thoughts to you.... Please hurry back home.

[Junebugs]

Check out this church -- they have support groups:
Care Ministries (http://www.newcovenantumc-fl.org/NS/CARE%20MINISTRIES.htm)

[Graytop]

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband....

[Shirleevee]

Maureen,

So sorry for your loss.

[duffysmom]

Maureen, my heart goes out to you. Hopefully some of the information given here will be helpful when you return. Please keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

[RichieB]

Sorry for your loss, Maureen.

I have found that support groups are WONDERFUL. My experience was not one of bereavement, but you get to share similar experiences with others. It takes a while, sometimes, but you feel so much better having attended.

[BobandMarilyn]

I am very sorry for your loss - can't imagine losing my spouse. I suggest that you contact Fairway Christian Church - located at 466 & Morse.

[ssmith]

Me too. I just don't have the words to express...they seem so trite. but so so sorry for your deep and heartfelt loss!!!

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Maureen, I wish I had some magic words to make things better, but from one Jerseygirl to another, please know that I am very, very sorry for your pain. I think a support group is a wonderful idea for you and hope you find what you need in this difficult time. Sending hugs.

[mojoe]

Thanks Grace.

[mojoe]

Thank you for such kind words. I knew I would find comfort here and I am so glad I had the courage to post. I do not know if I am responding properly. I will get the hang of it. But in case I miss anyone, thank you one and all for being there.

[shcisamax]

For all the time that you did not post, this is the moment when it truly counted. Know that regardless of whether someone responds online, many many people have read your post and are thinking of your beloved Joe ...and are holding you in their hearts.

[mojoe]

Thanks Joe.

[mojoe]

Thank you for your kind words.

[mojoe]

Thank you.

[mojoe]

Thank you Ed.

[mojoe]

Joe is an angel. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

[mojoe]

Thank you so much. I will check out this site.

[mojoe]

Thank you. I will check this site out.

[mojoe]

Thanks.

[mojoe]

Thank you for caring.

[mojoe]

Just reading everyone's responses has helped me. Thank you. I will keep posting.

[mojoe]

Thanks for your encouragement.

[mojoe]

Thanks.

[mojoe]

Thanks.

[mojoe]

Thanks for your kind words.

[mojoe]

Thanks for your kind words and hugs.

[Happinow]

Maureen. You can tell from the outpouring of love and concern from everyone on here that even you don't know us, we are your friends. We are here to laugh with and cry with. When you feel up to it, I'd like to extend an invitation to private message or call me. Sometimes just talking helps. Our thoughts are with you.

[mojoe]

Thank you for your kindness. I look forward to talking to you.

[bkcunningham1]

I just wanted to welcome you to Talk of the Villages and say how very much your first post has touched my heart. I sent you a friends' request which just means I wanted you to know you have friends here. I see that others have offered wonderful words and suggestions for groups to help you cope with your loss. I just wanted to add my ((((HUGS)))).

[mojoe]

Thank you for your kind words and hugs. It means a lot.

[BAILYBOOHOO]

Maureen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you a hug. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.


Debbie

[mojoe]

Thanks Debbie for your kindness.

[Barry6215]

I work as a volunteer at The Villages Hospice(Cornerstone) next to the sheriff's station on 466; there is a very good grief consular on staff there -- his name is Joe Walker.

[jebartle]

Now, I want you to put your left hand on your right shoulder and at the same time put your right hand on your left shoulder, there, now you've been hugged....Time will be the best healer but you have lots of love pouring thru this screen from our wonderful TOTVers....

[mojoe]

Thanks. I will look into this. I have gotten a lot of good feedback about Cornerstone and it is good to have a name.

[mojoe]

Thanks so much. Even through my pain I do feel the love at TOTV. You have all been so kind and helpful. God Bless. Maureen

[CaptJohn]

Hi Maureen,
I found this webpage that Cornerstone has bereavement services offered to people not in their care. Hope this helps. I'm still mourning the loss of a close first cousin a year ago.
Best wishes to you.

Community Bereavement (http://cshospice.org/?about_us/special-programs-and-services/community-bereavement.html)

[mojoe]

Thanks John. I am going to check this out. Sorry for your loss.

[mojoe]

Hello again. It has been a while. I just want to thank you all for being there for me and for your kind words of encouragement. You did not even know me then and you helped me more than you can ever imagine and I will never forget your kindness. I did find a bereavement group at the Cornerstone Hospice and it has helped me. I am still sad and I am missing my Joe every day, and I am sure I will always miss him, but I am doing my best to cope. I am going to spend some time with the family in NJ for the Easter holidays (my first time flying alone - wish me luck) and I am hoping to join some of the activities in The Villages when I come back. There has to be something out there for me - there are a lot of choices.

Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful TOTVers.

Maureen

[Posh 08]

Hello again. It has been a while. I just want to thank you all for being there for me and for your kind words of encouragement. You did not even know me then and you helped me more than you can ever imagine and I will never forget your kindness. I did find a bereavement group at the Cornerstone Hospice and it has helped me. I am still sad and I am missing my Joe every day, and I am sure I will always miss him, but I am doing my best to cope. I am going to spend some time with the family in NJ for the Easter holidays (my first time flying alone - wish me luck) and I am hoping to join some of the activities in The Villages when I come back. There has to be something out there for me - there are a lot of choices.

Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful TOTVers.

Maureen

Have a good flight and enjoy the Easter holiday with your family.

[mrfixit]

.......Maureen

.....Wishing you and your family a good Easter Holiday.
.....Hope your flight goes especially smooth.
..........Keep the faith...Enjoy your family.....and...
..........please know you have lots of TOTV friends.
.....My wife and I both experienced the loss you are
now coping with....as you know, it is not easy.
.....May God grant you peace for the years ahead.

There is a site ( listed below ) You may wish to explore when You feel up to it.

......>>>>>> WidowNet Online Information for Widow/ers (http://www.widownet.org/online/) <<<<<<......

[joannej]

Maureen,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one, so dear. I think that most hospitals have bereavement support group meetings too. I would check it out. In the meantime, keep busy and get out as much as you can.