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Working through grief- Deacon Joseph Kain

Benjamin Franklin is attributed to saying the only thing certain in life is death and taxes. Death is certain for all of us, however, we all hope to live to a normal life expectancy. No matter the age, the loss of a loved one can be traumatic for someone if they are not assisted by someone with compassion and understanding.
As I am 62 years old I have experienced loss in my life like most people. It doesn’t get any easier with age. However, you don’t have to go it alone. When someone close to you dies there is a multitude of feelings we experience; anger, hurt, sorrow, pain and many other feelings. Sometimes you get those feelings spaced out and sometimes it seems like all at once. I will share with you a tip to help you along your journey of grief: “Talking is Healing”.
Some years ago Father Sanjai Devis asked for my involvement to facilitate a grief support team at the Church of the Holy Family in Washington Township. We conduct (annually) 2-8 week sessions. We also conduct an open support meeting the third Thursday of every month. I have personally seen the transformation of people from the first meeting where some that attend could not hold back the tears to the eighth meeting where they are able to laugh a little. It doesn’t mean they are all better now. It just means they learned how to work through their grief . We emphasize a safe place for the grieving to come to where confidentiality is a must; and with safe people who will not judge them when they speak. But most importantly, they realize that they are not alone in their journey of grief. I am thankful to be a part of this team who gives of their time, their hearts, and their love.