There is a sacredness in tears.
They are not the mark of weakness
but of power.
They speak more eloquently than
ten thousand tongues.
They are messengers of
overwhelming grief,
of deep contrition,
and of unspeakable love.
-Washington Irving

  

If you are visiting this section, it is likely that you recently experienced a loss. We know this is a difficult time for you, and we hope the information you find here will help you to work through your experience.
Author, Carol Luebering, says “Although it is accompanied by intense emotions, grief itself is not a feeling.  It is a process, a slow journey toward acceptance and peace."  You, or a loved one, have begun this journey, and it may feel like you’ve lost track of your life, of your direction. 
One of the most important things to know is that you don’t travel alone, there are others who walk with you; many who are taking a very similar path.  It isn’t a trip you would have chosen to make, but your life is waiting for you at the end of it, and resisting the movement will only make finding that life more difficult. The journey is one of change, adjustment, and acceptance.
If you are grieving it is important for you to have contact with people who will support you.  Some important things to do to help yourself are:

  • Allow yourself to feel sad and to express that sadness.
  • If you feel anger, feel free to express that anger in appropriate ways.
  • Rest as much as you can, even if you can’t sleep, just rest, grief is exhausting.
  • Try to eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water.
  •  Give yourself credit for every small thing you accomplish in a day.
  • Consider counseling with a licensed therapist.
  • Consider joining a grief support group.

 

I Never Know What to Say

Helping a Friend or Loved One Who Is Grieving.

 Grief is a challenging journey that continues long after the death of a significant person.  It is a journey made easier with compassion and support along the way.  Yet, it can be very difficult to find the right words, or to know how to help those who are grieving.  Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home is offering a presentation for those who are interested in learning how to help others as they journey through grief.  Topics include, an overview of the grief process, understanding the impact that grief can have on relationships, the needs of those who mourn, helping a newly widowed parent, and helping those who grieve under special circumstances.  The presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.  Presenter will be Jeri Sutter, grief counselor, and Aftercare Coordinator for Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, located at 430 W. Wisconsin St., in Portage. 
Join us to get helpful ideas for helping loved ones and friends make the difficult transition through grief.   There is no charge for the presentation, but pre-registration is appreciated in order to ensure enough materials are available.   To register, please call Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home at 742-2126 by Monday, April 19, 2010. 

 

always in our hearts

We each grieve in our own individual way. How we handle the loss of a loved one depends on our personal backgrounds, and even on how the person died. But there are some common threads that run through all kinds of grief. Understanding these basic elements will help you understand that you are not alone in how you feel.

For more information please visit NFDA

Portage, WI Poynette, WI

Grief Support
For information please call 608 742-2126 (Portage, WI) or 608 635-2763 (Poynette, WI)