The Compassionate Friends

to time zone, uniting families and friends around the globe to honor the memories of sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who left too soon.

The death of a child is traumatic, and parents grieve no matter the age of their son or daughter, whether infants or adults forty and older. A parent never recovers from the loss of a child; it’s not the natural order of life.

There were also many sorts of deaths, but there is no judgment only understanding. Everybody who attends is in a different phase of their grief journey. Some are new to the group and have just recently experienced the loss; others have attended meetings for years, helping others to cope with their loss. Many of the longtime attendees become the leaders of the groups, who welcome the new people, and read the names of those children whose birthdays are that particular month.

There are guidelines to participation. Nobody is obliged to speak, but when it is your turn to speak, others must listen. You are asked to speak only of your own experience and not to offer solutions to others. If your faith has been helpful that is fine, but some people have a difficult time and experience anger at God or their higher power. At meetings it’s fine to cry, and it’s also fine to laugh. Many people attending say that The Compassionate Friends has been a life saver for them. If you, or someone you know, has lost a child, sibling, or grandchild, please let them know there is a caring support group available to help guide them through their grief.

The mission of TCF is to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process. I know that it has been a great help to me.

More information at www.tcfatlanta.org or www.compassionatefriends.org