Holding a funeral or memorial service for your loved one is a positive first step in the grieving process. Family members and friends get a chance to say their goodbyes, and at the same time, they get to share strong feelings with one another.

In the days, weeks and months following the service, people continue to need others to lean on for understanding, encouragement and guidance. For that reason, many local and national support groups have formed. These groups provide a common place and a comforting environment for expressing emotions through each phase of the grieving process. 

Experts concerned with the subject of children coping with a loved one's death agree that there is every good reason to guide youngsters gently and honestly into an early understanding of this puzzling aspect of life; and that to avoid answering questions children ask about the subject is harmful. Children are not as vulnerable as most of us adults take them to be, according to psychologists who have studied children's responses to the death of a loved one.

To learn more, discuss grief counseling and support options with your funeral director. 

For Aftercare Support in your area contact:

Calhoun County Area:

Lifespan 

269-660-3600

Living In Fellowship Together

A Grief/Recovery Ministry of Athens United Methodist Church 

269-964-9050

Bellevue and Eaton County:

Judith Benson
RN, BSN, BA Psychology and Bereavement Facilitator
in Bellevue
269-763-2702

Eaton Community Hospice
2675 S. Cochran Road
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-5310

Barry County Area:

Barry Community Hospice
450 Meadow Run
Hastings, MI 49058
269-948-8452