 |
Geelong Deanery |
|
|
|
Ecumenical Service Of Thanksgiving
Losing a loved one can be devastating and for some people the grieving process is very long and difficult. A great range of feelings including confusion, depression, anger, despair and guilt may be experienced. Often the emotions associated with grief are disabling. At such times the love, comfort and practical support offered by family and friends is very important. It acknowledges the loss which helps the grieving person work through his or her feelings. But sometimes the experience of grief is not so well recognised. Couples whose pregnancies end in miscarriage, tubal pregnancy or abortion can suffer great distress and pain but their loss is often seen differently to the grief of couples whose infants die after birth. If we lack acknowledgment from people around us we sometimes deny those feelings in ourselves. When this happens it can be very difficult to resolve the grief. Relationship difficulties, depression and sexual problems often result. An important part of the healing process is being able to say ‘Goodbye’. Talking openly helps a person to acknowledge and understand their feelings and to communicate them to others. When people have a supportive environment and the opportunity to confront the sorrow of losing their unborn child they can begin to emerge from that pain. One way to face this grief is through a Memorial Service. In this setting men and women can allow themselves to remember, to explore their feelings and perhaps ‘let go’ of their child. Pregnancy Help Geelong will be holding a Grief Service at the Deakin University Chapel on 1st September at 2.30pm. (Kate Tuohey) |
|
To read PDF files download the Reader from the Adobe web site. |
