[Alffe]

Wondering how the grief session went yesterday....do you feel like talking?

[BJ]

I know how hard these session are. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you

[Nik-key]

Thank you both I just needed a couple of days to collect myself. Have never been to a "real" therapist before, have always used Stephen's Ministers. It was ummmmm...... hard. I go again on Friday, it is suppose to get easier

[Alffe]

Thanks for checking in dear lady. Is she easly to talk to? does she listen?!

[Nik-key]

Originally Posted by Alffe

Thanks for checking in dear lady. Is she easly to talk to? does she listen?!

Yes and yes I was actually surprised at how easy she was to talk to. She never once pushed me, interupted me. I was a bit uncomfortable at first, but she just let my thoughts bounce all over the place. It was refreshing. She is very down to earth and I liked her right off.

[Alffe]

Nikki, this is the man and place I couldn't remember.

http://www.livingworks.net/news/20040909.php

Frank Campbell was one of the speakers at the program I attended and he founded the LOSS team in Baton Rouge. He is also the one who told us that in order to be on his "team", you had to have read The Velveteen Rabbit

[Nik-key]

Thank you ((Alffe)) I am still planning on going to the coalition meeting tomorrow. I have so many things I want to say, but not sure I will be able to If I can, I want to bring up a need for first responce, I think it is vital.

[Alffe]

I'll be thinking about you today Nikki..sending positive thoughts your way.

I'm giving myself a lecture about what I'm going to say at this noon's meeting. I want very much for us to continue to have a support group here....I don't want to have it "handed" to me...I'm not looking for a "job"..I want to offer support for grieving people...to be a part of a team that does this.

Is that a snow plow I hear?

[Nik-key]

Thank you ((Alffe)) How was your meeting today? I would love to hear all about it! Maybe we can each learn as we go along, tossing ideas and thoughts to each other, and anyone else who may be interested of course

My testing went well. They did more than I had planned on, but that is a good thing. Hoping this time I will get some solid answers and the waiting game will be over.

Drum roll please................. I went to the meeting

Not ONLY did I go, but through the shaking and the tears, I was able to talk about many things that concerned me. I didn't even throw up until after the meeting This is a great group of people! They only started this program about a year ago, so far the emphasis has been on bringing care locally for those who are depressed and they did host a few local seminars. I want to bring the focus on bringing depression out of the darkness, bring it out in the open, rid ourselves of the stigma so people can and WILL seek help.

On the other scope, I want to offer help and support for those who are left behind, desperately and blindly trying to pick up the pieces after a loved one takes their life. I can't stress enough how wonder these people were to me. Most have known me since I was a teen. Their compassion and their commitment left me awe. They not only listened to everything I said, they agreed to everything I suggested right on the spot!!!

Many things are in the works One of the things will be working on is first response training! The police chief is going to include surrounding areas as well, for prevention, and survivors. By next months meeting, I need to compile what I would like in the first response care package to be given to family members. They said you make the list, we will make sure you get everything you feel is needed!! WOW!

They thanked me for coming and joining the group. They said it was great having new "blood" bringing in ideas, and being a survivor I was able to add insight because "I do truly know".

It was hard, extremely hard.......... But, for the first time in 8 months I feel something positive stirring inside me, real hope. It can't take away this unbearable pain, but I don't know, it is hard to explain........ I need to make sure I do something for both those who suffered as Dad did, and those who are suffering as I am. It has to stop! It also has to start somewhere ....... in feeling like I am contributing, I somehow feel I am honoring Dad's memory, that I can try to make something good come from his tragic death.

Ok, I am WORN OUT!!! But I wanted to share with all of you

[Koala77]

Nik-key, I'm so darn proud of you!

That's a wonderful thing that you've done!

I truly hope that things work out the way you're hoping, but remember from every little acorn becomes a great big oak tree!

It's just so wonderful that the police chief is going to include surrounding areas as well, both for prevention, and for the survivors. What a fabulous promise to get from him. Well done!

Good luck in getting your response care package together Nik-key. We're all on your side!


Good luck to you too Alffe!

I do so hope that the support group in your area gets off the ground. I hear what you're saying about not wanting to be the one to run the group, but I'm sure they will appreciate any help that you can give. Sad as it is, but who better than some-one who's already been there?

Thank you Nik-key for telling us how your meeting went, and good luck Alffe as your group gets off the ground.