Even though Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice (GBHH&H) sponsors grief support groups throughout the year, it has once again scheduled a special holiday-related session.

          “Getting Through the Holidays When a Loved One Has Died” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at GBHH&H, 3520 Lakin, Suite 103. Participants are asked to use the Lincoln Street entrance.

          GBHH&H is part of the St. Rose Health Center family.

          “We understand the holidays can be so difficult,” Co-Coordinator Cathy Soeken said. “This is especially true when someone is facing the Christmas season for the first time without a loved one.

          “However,” she noted, “our holiday grief session is designed for anyone who has lost a family member or friend anytime. Each year can be painful and we hope our session can offer a little comfort.”

          Soeken, who has been a GBHH&H social worker for 15 years, and GBHH&H Chaplain Larry Schumacher lead the group.

          “Both of us will share information,” Soeken said. “We want to give participants a few coping mechanisms during this special time of year.”

          During the holidays, some people want to continue with their unique traditions, while others want to do something completely different, Soeken said.

          “There is no right way or wrong way to grieve,” she noted. “For example, those who don’t think they can handle a family gathering should give themselves permission to bow out of the activities.

          “But if you decide to be a host, you probably don’t have the energy to get through the holidays without a helping hand,” Soeken added. “We shouldn’t hesitate to ask for support.”

          Some people who attended this holiday event in the past came to realize the value of joining a grief support group later on at GBHH&H.

          “Sharing with others in similar situations can help in their daily lives,” Soeken commented. “And people learn they are not alone.”

          Participants will have access to handouts that elaborate on the group discussion.

Topics include: being good to yourself; being aware of others; planning ahead; keeping it simple; allowing yourself to make changes; talking about your grief; embracing your memories; and being tolerant of your limitations.

          “Chaplain Larry and I encourage those who are grieving to attend the holiday and regular grief sessions,” Soeken said. “Anyone should feel free to give us a call. We will do all we can to help.”

          For more information, contact Soeken by calling 620-792-8171 or 620-617-6999.

          GBHH&H has been serving the community since 1979. Its service area includes Barton, Pawnee, Rush and parts of Stafford counties.

          St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine, Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic, Great Bend Internists, imaging, Special Nursing Services, WellnessWorks, one-day surgical procedures, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.