Grief is normal. Grief is a natural response to loss. Grief is a process we must work through. At first you may feel shock and numbness. Shock acts as a buffer, allowing you to get done what needs to be done the first few months after a loss. As reality begins to settle in, the grief can affect people emotionally, physically, behaviorally, spiritually and/or psychologically. You may find yourself angry, even enraged over what has happened. You may suffer headaches, or be unable to sleep. You may sense the presence of your loved one. Grief can manifest feelings of guilt, depression, loneliness, etc. Some of these reactions may be so intense people can think they are going crazy. This is why it is important to learn about the process of grief so that you know and understand that what you are experiencing is a normal and natural response to your loss.
Caring assistance - The services offered by the Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes do not end after the funeral. We are committed to continue to provide comfort and care to family and friends following the death of someone loved.
Library - We maintain a lending library of books for adults, teens and children at the High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Ave. in Haverhill. Subjects include coping with grief, explaining death to children, dealing with issues surrounding suicide and facing special days and holidays.
Educational Programs on Grief and Loss - We live in a death denying society. Very few people are interested in knowing more about grief and loss until it happens to them. One of our goals is to educate adults and children on issues surrounding death and dying so they will be better prepared to handle the death of a friend or loved one.
Farmer & Sons Aftercare and Merrimack Valley Hospice are co-sponsoring the following supportive programs on grief and loss:
Whenever grieving persons take the time to understand why they feel the way they do, they usually begin to learn how to cope with their grief. It's important to normalize what people experience and to lessen feelings of loneliness and being misunderstood by friends and family members. That's why we offer supportive programs to teach basic concepts to those in need.
Loss of a Spouse/Partner Group (for ages 55 and over)
High Pointe Hospice House
First & third Wednesdays 10:30-12 noon thru Dec. 18, 2019 at the High Pointe Hospice House 360 North Ave. Haverhill, MA.
Grief Support for the Loss of an Adult Child (for Parents and Grandparents)
High Pointe Hospice House
First Tuesday of the month 2-3:30pm; Third Tuesday of the month 5:30-7pm from Sept. 3rd to Dec. 17th at the High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill.
Grief Support for Living with Loss
High Pointe House
2nd & 4th Sundays, 2:30-4pm, from Sept. 8th thru Dec. 22nd at the High Pointe Hospice House 360 North Ave. Haverhill, MA.
Grief Support Through Creative Expression
Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:00pm, Sept. 25th, Oct. 23rd, and Nov. 27th at the High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Ave. Haverhill, MA. Pre-registration is required
Please call 978-552-4510 to pre-register and/or for more information on the above programs.
Bereavement support groups sponsored by Merrimack Valley Hospice:
Grief Support for Veteran Loss
Co-sponsored with Haverhill Veterans Services - Open to adult family members of veterans.
Haverhill Citizens Center, Basement Library, 10 Welcome St. Haverhill, MA
First and Third Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm from Sept. 17th thru Dec. 17th. For information and to register call 978-552-4510 or the Haverhill VSO at 978-374-2351 ext. 3932
Social Knitting Group
Plaistow Public Library
Please join us for a craft focused bereavement support program. Bring your knitting, crocheting or needlepoint project Wednesday's 1-3 pm at the Plaistow Public Library, 85 Main St. Plaistow, NH.
Andover Senior Center
1st Thursday of the month 1:30-3:00 pm from Sept. 5th thru Dec. 5th. For information and to register call 978-552-4510
Merrimack Valley Hospice
Every Wednesday 5-6:30 pm from Feb. 6th thru June 26, 2019; 360 Merrimack St. Bldg.9 Lawrence, MA. For information and to register call 978-552-4510
Grief Support for loss of spouse... Second Steps
High Pointe Hospice House
2nd Wednesday of the month 10:30-12:00pm for info call 978-552-4510.
Grief Support for Loss of Spouse/Partner
High Pointe Hospice House
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm from Sept. 12th thru Dec. 12th (skip Oct. 31st and Nov. 28th) 2019; High Pointe Hospice House 360 North Ave. Haverhill, MA. For information and to register call 977-552-4128
Pizza and...(a grief support group for children ages 6-15)
Merrimack Valley Hospice, Riverwalk Properties
3rd Thursday of the month 5:30-7:30pm Sept. 19th thru May 21, 2019 (skip Feb. 20th); Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack St. Building 9, Lawrence, MA. For information and to register call 978-552-4510
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