RGH & Hospice of VA to begin grief support group
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| From left are grief support group members Sig Langschultz, Debbie Sachen and Millie Roberson. |
Over a year ago three local women came together in their time of need and formed a bond they never expected. Millie Roberson of White Stone, Sig Langschultz of Cobbs Creek, and Deborah Sachen of Weems met in April 2009 at a grief support group meeting offered jointly by Rappahannock General Hospital and Hospice of Virginia. They planned to use the 10-week course to help lessen the grief they were facing due to the loss of a loved one.
One year later, the three women make a point to meet each other at least once a month to share feelings they are having of both joy and pain. They consider it a comfort to know that, although they have lost a loved one, they have gained each other.
Millie Roberson lost her husband of 34 years in December of 2007 after a long and happy marriage. A nursing professor by trade, Roberson had always found it helpful to talk through her feelings. In search of a sounding board, Roberson began exploring the option of grief support groups in the area, and found it difficult to find a resource locally.
Thankfully, she was informed about the grief support group offered by RGH and Hospice of Virginia. “I am so thankful that I was able to find a Grief Support Group in the area.” says Roberson. “It is important that people know that the group is totally anonymous and everything stays within the group. If you are not comfortable with sharing your story, you are not forced to do so. Whether you want to share your story or not, I urge those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one to attend.”
“Miss Sig” Langschultz was a teacher in Richmond City and Middlesex County. In 1992 her son became ill and passed away. Langschultz depended on her husband to get through the pain of the loss. In 2008, she lost her husband of over 49 years.
“I felt like I lost my arms and legs,” said Langschultz. “I knew I couldn’t do it alone.”
She joined the Grief Support Group at RGH, which includes the use of a book and journal, to help her through the grieving process. “I would strongly recommend this group to anyone who has experienced a loss. The facilitators guidance in conjunction with the book and writing help to stimulate your thinking and uncover your real thoughts or feelings.”
Roberson, who initially opposed the use of the book, said, “I have gone back and read through the book many times. It acts as a supportive guide. The book as well as hearing others tell their stories made me realize that my feelings were a normal part of the grieving process.”
Deborah Sachen and her husband moved to Weems 5 years ago. After enjoying a few brief years of retirement, a sudden stroke took Sachen’s husband. “It was very shocking and a huge adjustment,” she said.
Sachen has 4 children, but often found it difficult to express her pain with someone so close in her grieving process. “One of the benefits of the group is that you didn’t know each other before, so it was easier to talk,” she said. “The group is not restricted to the loss of a spouse, it focuses on the loss of anyone important in your life. It is nice to have the ability to be with people who are experiencing the grieving process too.”
Rappahannock General Hospital and Hospice of Virginia are again partnering to offer the grief support group. The sessions will start on April 19 and continue every Monday for 10 weeks. The group will meet at RGH from 3-4:15 p.m.
The grief support group is offered free of charge, but requires the purchase of a book. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For additional information or to register, contact Jo Crockett at 804-435-8515 or Mary Dell Siegler at 804-443-4090.
