Here are our guiding points for our meetings.
Sharing and discussion are our group’s focus
Share yourself, your child, and your journey. Other issues may be important but instead, speak to how they affect your grief and healing. Self-promotion and irrelevant facts aren’t allowed.
Respect everyone’s privacy and comfort level Together we create a welcoming and safe environment. Treat everyone with respect; voice empathy. Guard the confidentiality of each member’s feelings and sharing, both within and outside our group. A participant might be more comfortable sharing with one individual than the whole group, allowed them to share at their comfort level. We become stronger as we listen and share what we are comfortable at sharing with others at a timeBe kind, courteous, and trustworthy
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. We may share sensitive and private information, and we may choose not to share at all. Their stories are for them to tell. Respect their privacy.
Share honestly and be a good listener
Chances are you are not alone in what you are feeling, and you might help others to be more honest too. Isolation can be the most destructive reaction to grief. Reflecting back helps us feel heard.
No comparing griefs, judging feelings, or fixing
We are not broken. Don’t rush to make someone feel better. Honor the uniqueness and complexity of each of our stories. Share your experiences, wins and setbacks, but allow others to find their way. Someone might be at a different grief stage, learn to recognize it. Show your support and never talk over someone who is sharing.
It takes time
Some moms need help right away, some come a few years after losing their child, grief doesn’t have an expiration date, it’s a constant “friend” that shows up uninvited.