A support group, called Sisters of Hope, for recently widowed women will soon start up again.
The loss of a husband is unlike any other, said Marilyn Beary, one of the group sponsors. Beary has lost both of her parents, but losing her spouse was like “half of me was amputated.”
The first group began meeting a year ago and the 11 women met weekly for nine months. They studied the book “Postcards from the Widow’s Path” by Ferree Hardy in addition to the Bible. The group is Bible based and is open to any denomination.
Beary said the journey offered the women hope and change. “The women started to feel validation,” she said. “They began to heal. The ladies went from voicing loss to smiling and laughing and having hope. It brought back hope to these ladies that have lost so much.”
The group is open to any age, and there is no cost as materials have been provided through voluntary donations.
Another group will begin before the holidays. They meet at the 1st Assembly of God, 601 S. Patton.
The night has not yet been determined, but last year, they met at 6:30-8 p.m. each Thursday. A meet and greet will be held prior to beginning the meetings.
Call Marilyn Beary or email mbeary@cox.net, 620-796-2010 or Stacy Bouse, stacybouse@hotmail.com, 620-282-0566 to enroll.