The Compassionate Friends

I've been a member of the Nanaimo chapter of The Compassionate Friends since February 2010.  I first learned about it from Gracie's paediatrician, Dr. Betty Bartleman, when I had an appointment and conversation with her following Gracie's death.
It is a support type group for parents who have lost a child of any age.  I decided to go the following month and see what it was all about.  The group met on the third Monday of each month at a local church.  I have now been a member for a little over 2 years, although I took some time away from the group during my pregnancy with Oliver.
It is helpful to get together with other parents and grandparents who have been in a similar situation.  We are all missing someone dear to our hearts and minds, our children.  We are all grieving and wanting to learn ways to keep our children's memory and spirit alive; we want for it to be acceptable to speak our children's names and to keep them close.

The group dynamics have now changed since I first started in February 2010.  We have gained new members, while some members have moved on.  We now meet in a new location and at a new time, second Tuesday of each month.  Some things are being changed in how the group is being run and organized.