Page 6 - the pulse spring 2019 e-magazine about Whidbey Health on Whidbey Island

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Choices, continued

Bereavement Care Grieving

The grief process is a surprisingly lengthy journey, and
individuals often need support well past the first several Widow
months. Gathering with others who understand the depth
of grief provides a sense of belonging. A community forms Welcomes
around a shared experience, and for many individuals these
empathetic connections are a lifeline. Support

WhidbeyHealth Bereavement Coordinator Allison Krizner, MA
suggests that sharing one’s experience during the grieving Patty Sievers was married to her husband for 50 years
process can be a kind of shelter from the storm. before he went into hospice care and died shortly
thereafter. That was about 11 months ago.
“Grief often feels like an isolating experience,” Krizner says.
“In a really difficult time, all of the hospice care staff was
“Our grief support groups provide a welcoming place for wonderful,” Sievers said.
people to show up as they are, with all the intense feelings
and significant questions that are present. It’s a chance for “I was struck by how patient they all were. They were
them to tell their stories, which is such a vital part of the in no hurry. They listened and took the time to explain
process.” everything to us. They helped us more than we could
have imagined,” Sievers said.
Bereavement classes offer information about the grief
process and tools for navigating an often disorienting Later, Sievers’ daughter suggested she take part in some
time. The groups provide a space for individuals to continue bereavement classes and Sievers agreed.
talking about their loved ones and finding meaningful ways of She attended the 8-week “Living with Loss” class led by
adjusting to their loss. Bereavement Coordinator, Allison Krizner.

“The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming in every way,” “I must tell you that Allison is gift to us all,” Sievers said.
Krizner says.
“I had someone to talk to and I was with other people
“Culturally there is little awareness about the complexity of who were going through the same thing. It sort of takes
grief, so grievers often don’t feel adequately companioned that burden off you and reminds you that you are not the
or understood. After participating in our groups, individuals only one going through this experience.”
reflect that they feel less alone. They gain more permission
to grieve and discover greater resilience. They recognize Later, Sievers attended the Drop-in Grief Support Group.
that what they’re experiencing is normal and that everyone’s Again she was struck by how tuned-in Krizner was to
grief journey is unique.” everyone in the room.

“Living with Loss,” an 8-week grief support group takes “She has such a presence,” Sievers said.
place several times a year at various locations on Whidbey “She sets such caring boundaries and knows how to
Island, and a new twice-monthly Drop-In Grief Support
Group meets in the Health Education Center, Room 3 or 4. listen and be patient. She has that ability to know that
somebody has something left in them to say and to wait.
Both of these groups, as well as grief classes and workshops,
are open to the community and free of charge. Individual It was pretty amazing.”
bereavement counseling is available for hospice families. “No one is prepared for the death of a loved one. When
it comes, there’s so much to do – so much paperwork,
passwords, bureaucracy. Anxiety can creep in. Allison
taught me not to be so hard on myself,” Sievers said.

To Learn More “She said to do what you can when you can.”

~ Patty Sievers, Freeland

Search “Classes and Programs” on
whidbeyhealth.org