HONESDALE, PA - A free support group designed to help people cope with the grieving process will be offered at Wayne Memorial Hospital. The six-week session will provide support and focus on grief as a normal part of an individual's transition through life.

The sessions will be held Monday evenings from 6:00 until 7:00 from November 23rd through December 28th in The David Katz Conference Room on the second floor of Wayne Memorial Hospital.

We recognize that for many people, Hanukkah is not always happy. Christmas is not always merry and Kwanza is not always bright. The Holidays are often difficult when a loved one is gone. Decorations aren't beautiful, food is not as joyful, and songs seem flat.

“Grief is experienced by each individual very differently,” explains Social Worker Anna M. Walsh. “There is no “right or wrong” way to engage in that experience, but the process for each person is encountered in different ways. Sharing the experience often helps us understand our own losses more clearly. It makes us aware we are not alone in our feelings.”

Acknowledging that grief is a very individual process, the Support Group will encourage participants to explore their own solutions to the challenges of living without their loved ones and dealing with the many changes that follow a loss. The support group will be facilitated by Rev. Edward K. Erb, Wayne Memorial Hospital and Hospice Chaplain and Hospital and Hospice Social Worker, Anna Walsh.

The group will provide a safe place in which individuals can sort out their feelings and share as they are able and willing. No one will be required to share. Your experience will be enhanced by attending all sessions; however, it is understandable if you cannot attend some. You may enter or exit at any time.

Participants are asked to complete a registration form, which can be found at www.wmh.org. More information can be had by e-mailing edwardkerb@aol.com.