BRATTLEBORO — Bereaved families that have experienced the death of a child now have an opportunity to meet with others who have endured similar tragedies.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) of Brattleboro, a national self-help organization for families that have had a child die, will hold its next monthly meeting Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. at 541 Black Mountain Rd.
Meetings will be held the third Sunday of every month at the same time and location.
“A bereavement organization like TCF where families could talk about their loss publicly without feeling out of place is invaluable to those of us whose children have died,” said Beverly Miller, the new chapter leader.
“After your child dies, most people do not want to talk with you about your child, probably because they are afraid of making you feel badly. The irony is that talking about your child helps you - no one wants their child forgotten. And studies prove that sharing our stories and tears is an emotional release that helps us,” Miller added.
The Compassionate Friends is a national nonprofit organization with more than 650 chapters in the United States and locations in every state. Chapters welcome immediate family members to attend including adult siblings. Meetings are for all families regardless of race, religious orientation, economic background, cause of death, and the age of the child, from pre-birth up.
“The death of a child turns the whole family upside down,” Miller added. “Through our shared experience, we will be able to talk about the loss and learn coping techniques that will help us in our journey toward life without our children.”
Meetings last two hours. In general, in the first hour attendees will be able to discuss what happened to their child or anything related to their grief. The second hour might include a special topic, speaker, or activity.
Refreshments are provided.
The chapter seeks grief books to create a lending library and will have a selection of handout brochures on many topics related to the death of a child. Members are not charged fees or dues to attend.
“Love gifts” from the community are accepted in memory of the children of the chapter and will be used to publish a chapter newsletter, foster community outreach, and cover other expenses.