Submitted by Kelly Williams, Community Engagement Coordinator

National Grief Awareness Day is observed Monday, August 30th.  What do you do when you do not know what to do as it relates to grief?  I say, “educate yourself”!  I first learned about Big Bend Hospice’s bereavement program when one of the youths I worked with tragically lost his father. This incident acted as a catalyst for my desire to help this child their mom and others. After researching online, I learned that Big Bend Hospice offered free bereavement support to youth and their parents and that the person who passed did not have to be in hospice care for them to take advantage of this.

That amazed me and I knew then I wanted to be a part of the Big Bend Hospice organization. I immediately signed up to volunteer with the bereavement department.  Grief can look so different for everyone, it is not a one-size-fits-all.  But it is something you can get through with the proper support and guidance.  It doesn’t mean that you just go back to where you were prior to your loss, but you can create new ways to celebrate your loved one’s life and legacy by taking one day at a time.

To find out more about Big Bend Hospice Bereavement Services please contact Kristine Solberger, Director of Psychosocial and Bereavement Services at 850-878-5310 or visit https://bigbendhospice.org/bereavement