A Widowhood Workshop
The death of a spouse is rated among the most stressful life events a person can experience. It can affect our health, wellbeing, sense of meaning and purpose, and cause us to question what we have always believed and create great disappointment and depression as what we expected/dreamed did not come to pass. Our reactions to such devastation and loss vary greatly for good reason. We might cope well in areas and not so well in others. The only remedy for grief is to grieve. Presenter Vickie Mears discussed topics of Faith, Community, and Health and the challenges that widowhood presents. This was a wonderful time to gather with others to share in joy, and pain, and how to journey toward wholeness together.
Vickie Mears
from Crossroads Hospice
Vickie Mears holds a Masters’ degree in social work from KU. She was the Director of Grief Support Services at Crossroads Hospice of Kansas City, Missouri for ten years. Her new role at Crossroads is providing education to faith communities on loss, grief, and end of life challenges. She is also available to train on how to develop grief or caregiving support groups. She serves on two non-profit boards: Grief Support Network and Widowed Person’s Services. She believes God has designed us to heal, in the same way He designed us to live, in community.