Support Groups

This week I meet with two grief support groups!  I was thinking back to a time not too long ago when I didn't even know such things existed because both of my sons were here with me.  To be honest, I STILL wish I didn't know about them for that reason.

My every other Tuesday group is for moms who have lost older children.  I just love it, a very intimate format, a very loving leader who lost a daughter 18 years ago in a train/car crash.  All the mamas have horrible stories and lots of tears, but we share them together and I am learning how to take care of myself in so many ways from this group.  We have a journal that we write in, discuss articles from, and do artistic and creative things in.  There are three "requirements" - walking, water, and a stress vitamin.  I drink plenty of water and have my vitamin, but I confess, I have not been walking every day.  Just going to work is work enough, I hardly have the energy for that many days.  I will have to do better...

Thursday is the monthly 'Compassionate Friends' support group for couples.  Todd & I have only been once before.  It is amazing the things you can share in a group of grieving parents, that to the rest of the world would sound crazy or morbid, but in this group, people nod along, or affirm that they too, have been there, felt that!  There were a LOT of people at the last one, and I can't wait to see them again.

Max died nearly 3 months ago.  And I have seen glimpses of being used to minister to other mamas who are hurting.  I find that simply amazing.  Because I have been so consumed with my own grief I can hardly get out of bed some days, and yet, God is using me to help others.  When I cannot breathe, they are there for me, and when they are wrestling with something, I can be there for them.  What a crazy journey.  I am truly thankful that God uses every piece of our broken vessel if we just give it to Him.