Lakeview Centre

First Responders

“911 ... What is your emergency?”

Submitted by Karen Boulter

Sadly, there are times when some emergency situations do not end well. Despite the efforts and prayers of many people, there will be times when we have to deal with grief and the loss of loved ones. Try not to get caught up in ‘the blame game’ or the ‘if only I had…’ doubts that will never be able to change the outcome. Pulling together, being patient with yourself and others, accepting help from family, friends and community is more important than ever during these trying times.

There are five stages of grief that we all go through when learning to live with a tragic loss. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally, acceptance. These stages can sometimes be a fleeting thought - ‘No, it can’t be true!’ or ‘I promise to.....if only.....’ Other times, we can get stuck in one or more of these stages for an extended period of time. Angry outbursts, self-loathing, overwhelming sadness, feelings of guilt at not being able to change the outcome are all common reactions. Later, we can also experience guilt when we find ourselves laughing, but believe we should still feel only sadness. It is imperative, for our own health and the well being of those around us, that we find a way to move forward.

Speaking to grief counselors, Victim Services representatives, and caring, understanding family and friends is imperative. These feelings must be expressed and dealt with. We must find a way to accept what cannot be changed. It is also important to realize that the loved one we have lost, will want us to find a way to move forward, as difficult as it is, and eventually find a way to take each day as it comes and once again find some happiness in the life we have left to live.

Life is short. Make each day precious. Reach out to those you love, today. Accept the help from those who care.

Together, ‘We Make a Difference.’

If you are interested in joining our FR Society, please email Catherine McCrea at cm.nsbc@gmail. com

If you would like to borrow home care medical supplies such as crutches, walkers, walking casts, shower chairs, etc, free of charge, from the First Responders Society, please contact Don Devine at donedevine@gmail.com or call 250-955-2101 to make arrangements and find out more about what we have available. If you have equipment at home that you are no longer using, please consider donating the items to our Society. At present, we are hoping to obtain wheelchairs that will be available for other members of our communities to use while recuperating, or to use until a more permanent wheelchair can be obtained.

To order your green with white reflective address sign, just $40, please contact Margaret Needham at 250-679-2334 or ma.needham49@gmail.com today. These signs are invaluable when we are trying to find you in an emergency situation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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