Online Bereavement Workshops
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation & Voices of Angels
2021 Schedule and Topics for Online Bereavement Support
February:
Good Mourning: Saturday, February 27, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, February 28, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Grief Toolbox in Surviving the first Four Seasons and First Year”
The Myth that the first year is the hardest.
Transitioning to the “new normal”.
Learn to say No.
Find your people.
Make time for rest.
Do something good, purpose.
Expectations: yours vs. others: expect the unexpected.
Shock and numb.
Conserve energy.
March:
Good Mourning: Saturday, March 27, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, March 28, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Reentry to Work/Life after the loss of your Child”
Go back when YOU are ready.
Isolation to getting back with others.
Control what YOU want to share.
Distraction from Grief.
Awkward conversations
Have an Ambassador from work speak to co-workers before you return.
April:
Good Mourning: Saturday, April 24, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, April 25, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Painting with Artist Amy Sheen”
Moms painting class and discussion on the upcoming Mother’s Day next month.
May:
Good Mourning: Saturday, May 29, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, May 30, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Family Dynamics and Changes in Roles”
80% Divorce rate.
Siblings, Grandparents and extended family members.
How many children do you have and other hard questions and comments.
What do I do with my child’s clothes, toys and bedroom?
June:
Good Mourning: Saturday, June 26, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, June 27, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Cards and Conversations”
What kind of day has this been for you?
Who has been the most supportive to you and in what ways were they helpful?
In what ways has this grief journey been different from what you thought it was going to be?
Best advice you would give to newly bereaved parents?
July:
Good Mourning: Saturday, July 24, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, July 25, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Personal Coping Strategies”
Feelings beyond Sad: Guilt, Anger, Regret & Relief
Feelings, thoughts and behavior.
Emotional expression
Should I medicate?
Should I see a Therapist?
Physical relief: Running, walking, yoga.
August:
Good Mourning: Saturday, August 28, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, August 29, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Back to School”
Dealing with seeing lunch boxes at Target, your child’s classmates at the Bus Stop, dealing with commercials and no more soccer games or Ballet on the schedule.
September:
Date: TBA
Our September support will be live streamed for 2021 CureFest. Families from all over the Country and other Countries, will be invited to walk with posters and light candles and we will highlight the Rope of Hope and other activities.
October: (Schedule adjusted due to Halloween)
Friday, October 29, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Good Mourning: Saturday, October 30, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
“Grief for Moms vs. Grief for Dads”
We will have simultaneous Zoom links for parents: one for Moms and one for Dads.
November:
Good Mourning: Saturday, November 27, 2021: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, November 28, 2021: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Coping Through the Holidays”
Open discussion and resources for coping through the Holidays after the loss of a child.
New traditions?
Avoidance
December:
Sunday, December 12, 2021: 7:00 pm
In 1997, the Senate passed a Resolution that the 2nd Sunday in December would be named National Children’s Memorial Day. At 7:00 pm, candles are lit in Loving Memory of children that we have lost in your time zone. It is believed to be the world’s largest simultaneous candle lightning ceremony in the world. Church Bells ring at 7:00 pm as well. We will live stream our dinner and candle lightning ceremony similar to CureFest.