Support grieving children and families in Slovakia

How to support those who are losing or have lost a loved one?

Losing a loved one... memories come up of my grandmother dying. What it was like and what it is like now. I am thinking of people who are dealing with a loss right now. The idea that I can learn what is helpful to people in such a difficult situation seems to me precious and worthwhile. It is a certain taboo in our society; I am a bit uneasy about how to approach someone who has lost a loved one. And how to start a conversation with a small child? I want to learn more about this.

I am evaluating my life. I have some free time. It is somewhat of a routine. I realize that I am missing the feeling of being useful. I have been thinking for a while now about who could benefit from my help. Yes, maybe children in Grief Counseling Centre PLAMIENOK n.o. I feel my heart saying that I should go for it. So I signed up for the Bereavement course. Then I got invited for an interview. I was excited when I was accepted. Yes, this course is for me as well.

The first January session is done. I like that the course is made up of workshops. I am not interested in theory. I want to try out the techniques, experience them firsthand, learn more about myself and understand others more. Stop the time and delve more into myself.

How to describe simply what I am gaining. By saying that I finally opened my eyes. I saw myself face to face with my nature, I felt the losses in my life, I experienced relief, I got to know the power of silence, I found the courage to talk about my feelings, I gained experience and closeness thanks to sharing in group. I grew as a person. Opportunities, which I did not see or did not even have, opened to me. One of them is that later, as a volunteer, I will be able to help children and families coming to Grief Counseling Center PLAMIENOK n.o.