Dear Compassionate Friend:
It is important to note that the grief process is not linear, but is more often experienced in cycles. Grief is sometimes compared to climbing a spiral staircase where things can look and feel like you are just going in circles, yet you are actually making progress. Being patient with the process and allowing yourself to have any feelings about the loss can help. If you feel stuck in your grief, talking to a counselor or a supportive person may help you move forward in the healing process.
This update includes information on Sharing Circles, Donations through United Way, A Poem, Candle Lighting, and Newsletters. We hope that you find it helpful and will join us at one or more events.
- Sharing Circles
Our Sharing Circles were held during the summer months and will continue on the third Tuesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm at The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre, 2730 Carling Avenue (at Richmond Road). Our next meetings are on November 19th, December 17th, January 21st and February 18th. There are no fees to attend and no need to register in advance – please arrive a few minutes early to sign in. You can find directions and a map on our Chapter website www.tcfottawa.net.
- United Way
The Compassionate Friends is a volunteer, peer support network. There are no membership or any other fees to use our services or to participate in our groups or activities. We do not solicit funds from our members nor do we have fundraising campaigns. This is not a request for funds. However, we are grateful for any donations received and use them to further the activities of TCF.
If you wish, you may donate directly to TCF by mailing a cheque to:
The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
30 Canadian Dr,
Ashton, ON
K0A 1B0
You will receive a tax receipt from us for the full amount of your donation.
Or you may donate through United Way and designate TCF as the recipient of your contribution. The official title of the Chapter is “The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter” and our charitable organization number is 86493-2520-RR0001. United Way will provide you with a tax receipt but please note that an administrative fee will be deducted by United Way from your contribution. Thank you for your support.
- Poem – “Do not stand at my grave and weep”
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
By Mary Elizabeth Frye
- Candle Lighting Celebration
Please mark your calendar for our 21st annual Candle Lighting Celebration to be held on Sunday, December 8th in conjunction with the World-wide Candle Lighting. The attached poster includes more detail. Please forward to anyone that you feel would like to attend, and post it in your local community centre, place of worship, doctor’s office, or workplace.
- Website / Facebook / Newsletters
Our Ottawa Chapter website (www.tcfottawa.net) includes information on our Chapter activities and events, links to helpful resources and reading materials, as well as recent newsletters from Chapters across the country. The latest national newsletter from TCF Canada is attached for your information.
Our Facebook page (search for “The Compassionate Friends Ottawa Chapter”) provides a channel to post and read comments from other parents. TCF Canada also operates a moderated closed group for parents across Canada. Search for “The Compassionate Friends of Canada” and answer a couple of questions to gain access.
- Unsubscribe
If you would prefer not to receive these occasional updates, please reply to this e-mail and I will remove you from our mailing list.
Best wishes,
Larry and Paulette Cadman
The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
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