Sharing Group

A safe place. . . to share the sadness, hopelessness, anger, numbness, or any of the hundred's of other feelings you're experiencing due to the loss of your child.

A non - judgmental atmosphere. . . a place of acceptance and understanding, with many listening ears and hearts. It's perfectly okay to stay quiet with absolutely NO PRESSURE to say a word.

A fellowship of hope. . . where others know the depths of the pain you're going through, rather than being able only to acknowledge it. It's a group of men and women who encourage one another to 'go on' when facing one more day seems impossible

NOTE: Beginning February 2010 we will holding only one meeting each month on the 2nd Thursday of every month.

*Unless otherwise noted all Meetings (sharing Groups) and events will be held at Beaver Lake Lutheran Church Located at 2280 Stillwater Avenue East in Maplewood, Minnesota 55119

*We do not talk about the meeting topics only. We are there to talk about and listen to whatever is on your mind.

Sharing Group Meeting Thursday February 11th 2010 7-9pm "Sharing a favorite quote, sentiment or poem"

The Compassionate Friends, Inc.is a mutual assistance, self-help organization offering friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved families. Anyone who as experienced the death of a child is welcome. Our sharing group give parents an opportunity to talk about their child and about their feelings as they go through the grieving process. There is no religious affiliation or membership dues. The purpose of this support group is not to focus on the cause of death or the age of the child but to focus on being a bereaved parent, along with the feelings and issues that evolve around the death experience of a child.

Coming to your first meeting is the hardest thing to do. Try not to judge your first meeting as to whether or not TCF will work for you. The second, third or fourth meeting might be the time you will find the right person or just the right words that will help you in your grief or comfort you. Remember we have all been there and even though circumstances may be different we really do understand. You are not alone.

We are here to discuss whatever is on your mind and do not need to stay on the topic. This is YOUR sharing group and we are here for each other. You do not have to talk during the sharing group. We welcome your participation but it is not a requirement. Just sitting and listening to others share is ok too. Remember also that our sharing group is open to adult siblings, grandparents or adult family member such as aunts or uncles.

Our meetings are open to all bereaved parents whose children have died at any age from any cause. You are welcome to attend no matter how much time has passed since your child has died. Siblings and grandparents are also welcome. If you are uncomfortable attending alone, feel free to bring a friend or relative to support you. Our meetings usually consist of sharing sessions facilitated by bereaved parents who are further along on their grief journey.

To our older members

We need your encouragement and support. You are the string that ties our group together. Each meeting we have new parents. Think back...remember hearing from others further along than you? "Your pain will not always be this bad" or "It really des get better". Please come to the meetings and share your wisdom. Show others that there is hope, from someone who has found it.