This week we have two in-person regular groups, one hybrid regular group, one regular zoom group, three speciality zoom groups and a virtual holiday meeting. Login and location information follow at the bottom of this newsletter.

Thanksgiving Week

Holidays can be challenging when you’re grieving. It’s okay to feel what you feel and it’s okay to honor your person in a way that feels right to you. Start by setting boundaries for yourself. You decide what feels manageable this year. It’s okay to skip traditions or create new ones that better suit where you are right now. If being around others feels overwhelming, plan some quiet time for yourself. If you’re attending a gathering, plan an exit strategy in case you need a break. Honoring your person can also help. Consider cooking their favorite dish, sharing a memory about them at the table or lighting a candle in their honor. I’ll be cooking plenty of pumpkin bread and remembering just how much Nick loved it. Gratitude on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to ignore grief. Instead, focus on what feels meaningful to you. Maybe you’re thankful for a moment of kindness, the support of others, your loyal pet, a warm bed to crawl into or other small comforts that have helped you through. Writing down a few things, big or small, that bring you peace can be grounding. Try this Thanksgiving activity brought to you by What’s Your Grief, the Grateful Remembrance Jar. Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Sun Will Rise is here for you and we are grateful to have you in our grief community.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

Special Thanksgiving Virtual Meeting Hosted By The Journey

Please note, this meeting uses the GOTO meeting platform and not Zoom, so please download before the meeting time.

Thursday Nov 28, 2024, 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Kathryn Peirce facilitating
Join Meeting
https://meet.goto.com/149821365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 149-821-365
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

NOVEMBER IS CHILDREN’S GRIEF AWARENESS MONTH

The Dougy Center has so many resources and tips for families. Check out their full Flip The Script Campaign! Here is one tip….

Be Present

This Children’s Grief Awareness Month let’s "Flip the

Script" by valuing presence over words. Remember

that sometimes, the best support we can offer a

child or teen who is grieving doesn't come from

the words we say but from simply being there.

Consider these:

• Sit quietly with them, letting the young

person lead the way in silence or sharing.

• Engage in activities they enjoy, showing

you're there for support.

Your presence can be the comforting gesture that

words sometimes cannot match. Let's show up with

our undivided attention and care.

HOLIDAY SUPPORT

This video from SADOD addresses the realities and challenges of the holidays. Just click on the picture, complete the registration and the video will download at no cost to you.

SADOD IS HIRING

Do you want to help provide peer grief support to Direct Service Providers & Frontline Care Workers? Check out the qualifications on their webpage.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. SADOD’S PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP~ MINDFULNESS IN GRIEF. Tuesday November 26, 2024 6:30-8:00 pm ET Join in for a discussion on the beneficial role that Mindfulness can play in our grief journeys. You will discuss tips for getting started and engage in some introductory Mindfulness practices during the workshop. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/mindfulness-grief-workshop. Please note this workshop has a $10 fee for individuals outside of Massachusetts. Massachusetts residents may attend this workshop for free due to funding from MA-BSAS by using promo code MASS at the time of registration. If cost is an issue, please contact Laura@sadod.org

2. LAST CALL FOR TICKETS! Must be reserved by Wednesday 11/27/24. BEMIS FARMS EVERGREEN ANGEL WORKSHOP Thursday 12/5/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET SPENCER MA At the workshop, you'll learn how to craft a beautiful evergreen angel perfect for the holiday season ensuring you leave with a stunning creation to decorate your home or give as a thoughtful gift. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make something truly special. Sign up now! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Aileen Lovejoy: 774-239-1905 aileen@peersupportcommunitypartners.com

3. TREE OF LIFE ARTS & CRAFTS PROJECT Sunday 12/15/24 2:00-3:30 pm ET NORWELL MA At this event, artist Alissa Aronson of Bringing Smiles Unlimited, will guide you in creating your own unique Tree of Life art project using various objects. Alissa is experienced with utilizing arts and crafts as a therapeutic outlet. No previous experience is necessary - just bring your creativity! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring items such as small pictures or artifacts of your choosing. All ages welcome. Sign up now! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Natalie Patricio: 774-955-7752 jeepgirl474@gmail.com

4. New event: JUST SMASH IT! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET AVON MA Join us at Just Smash It and let go for a little bit. Come on down and smash away your frustrations in a safe and controlled environment. Yes, you really get to break stuff!!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to let off some steam. See you there! Registration Required! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Judy Kelly: 781-264-0557 judyannkelly@gmail.com

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

Please pay special attention to meeting schedule changes throughout the holiday season.

Monday - IN-PERSON, WEYMOUTH MA 11/25/24 6:30-8:00 pm ET.

Darlene Mersereau facilitating.

Crossroads Church, 241 Broad Street, Weymouth, MA For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Monday - ZOOM 11/25/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Don Lipstein facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84716470892

Meeting ID: 847 1647 0892 or

One tap mobile 16469313860

__________________

Tuesday - HYBRID - LEARNING TO COPE WITH GRIEF MEETING - IN-PERSON & ZOOM, GLOUCESTER, MA 11/26/24 7:00-8:00 pm ET.

Colleen and Gordon Bullard facilitating.

CORE Peer Recovery and Resource Center 11 - 15 Parker Street, Gloucester, MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83349371338?pwd=RXM5RnRINGJKL21HTFhiSVYyR1NCdz09

Meeting ID: 833 4937 1338

Passcode: 560270

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Tuesday - IN-PERSON, BRIDGEWATER, MA 11/26/24 6:30-8:00 pm ET.

Annie Avitabile facilitating.

Trinity Episcopal Church 91 Main St Bridgewater MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

_______________

Tuesday - MEN’S ONLY - ZOOM 11/26/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Dave Swindell and Gary Carter facilitating.

For men 18 and over who have experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96961980647?pwd=cFVTMHR3VE9COGc3UGdIZHo4TWVaZz09#success

Meeting ID: 969 6198 0647

Password: 300626 or One tap mobile 16465588656

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Tuesday - PARTNER & SPOUSE - ZOOM 11/26/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Kar-Kate Parenteau facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of a partner, spouse or significant other due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86578435343?pwd=avNFpCQpiLGCsKRKFEsexJj7E87gM5.1

Meeting ID: 865 7843 5343

Passcode: 287422 or

One tap mobile: 13052241968

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Wednesday - PEOPLE IN RECOVERY - ZOOM 11/27/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET.

Jill Shanahan facilitating/Leslie Lagos co-facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who identifies as being in recovery from any substance or alcohol who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82183952041

Meeting ID: 821 8395 2041 or

One tap mobile 16469313860