CARRYING THEM FORWARD
Olivia (my daughter and the graphic designer for The Sun Will Rise) had her baby. A beautiful little boy. She named him Hank Nicholas Wagner, the middle name after her brother. It was one of those moments that holds both joy and heartbreak at the same time. Grief doesn’t step aside just because something beautiful is happening. It all shows up at the same time. Holding my newborn grandson, I can feel this mix so clearly. There’s the sweetness of new life and there’s the weight of what’s been missing. Nick’s name is now part of a new little person who will grow up never physically knowing him, yet somehow carrying him. That’s the strange and tender part of love after a death. It doesn’t disappear. It shifts. It finds new places to land. Watching the next generation begin while still missing the one who isn’t here is something many of us share. It’s the feeling of being pulled in two directions at once. Joy rising with an ache lingering. Both real. Both true. Love keeps moving forward through us, through our families, through the stories we tell…sometimes through the names we choose. And that’s how we carry them. Not by pretending the pain is gone, but by letting their love live on in the pieces of life that are still unfolding.
Watch more: We don’t “move on” from Grief. We move forward with it. by Nora McInerny
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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Liz Driscoll facilitating for Karen Walsh at the 11/19/25 Regular meeting.
Natalie Patricio facilitating for Miriah Corso at the 11/19/25 Sibling meeting.
The HANSON MA group Matthew’s Candle is not meeting at Calvary Baptist Church this week.
HERE’S SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR!
David & Karen Swindell hosted a resource table and David spoke at the 7th Anniversary Celebration of the Butterfly Garden at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston MA. This beautiful garden, with remembrance bricks, is dedicated to the memory of people who have died due to substance use related causes.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
SADOD’S PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP PANEL DISCUSSION- GRIEVING AMBIGUOUS RELATIONSHIPS: EXES, PARENTAL FIGURES, SIBLING-LIKE FRIENDS AND MORE MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025 6:330-8:80 PM ET Society often extends sympathy and grief support to those who fill traditional next of kin roles to the deceased. However, grief is not limited to these individuals and often, those who suffer most are left without support. This panel discussion will feature individuals bereaved by the death of someone close to them, but not traditional or legal family. An honest conversation will be had that will normalize and validate anyone’s need for grief support, regardless of their relationship to the deceased. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/disenfranchised-panel. 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
United Way & SADOD is presenting Navigating the Holidays While Grieving November 18, 2025 6:00-7:30 pm ET A compassionate conversation on coping during the holiday season. Register here. Questions? Contact Laura@sadod.org
HOLIDAY PARTY Saturday, December 13, 2025 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Canton MA Take a break from the holiday rush and join us for an afternoon together. This will be a simple, welcoming time to connect with others who understand. We will eat a meal together, share stories and enjoy some gentle company during the season. REGISTER HERE! We’ll also have an ornament making activity. If you’d like, please bring along a favorite dessert of your person’s to share! Everything else will be provided. Come as you are, it’s about being together and finding a bit of warmth and support during this time of year.
Cost: FREE but requires a $20 per person deposit that you will receive 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. Please don’t let the deposit be a barrier, if cost is an issue, just let us know. We’re committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility needs (physical or otherwise), please reach out. We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Registration Required. Please let us know of any food allergies. For questions, contact Cindy Kaplan at (508) 269-8428 cinkap56@gmail.com
HEALING FOR THE HOLIDAYS Saturday, December 13, 2025 4:00 PM-6:00 PM SALEM MA Join us for a comforting evening of connection and creativity this holiday season. REGISTER HERE! We’ll share a meal together and take part in two meaningful activities, creating cards of hope and encouragement to be delivered to individuals currently in addition treatment and decorating ornaments in remembrance of our people who have died. It’s a gentle space to give, reflect, and find healing through kindness and community.
There is no cost to take part in this activity. If you have any accessibility needs (physical or otherwise), please reach out. We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Please let us know of any food allergies. Registration required or RSVP to Nike. For questions, please contact Nike Laskaris 617-333-1794 nlaskaris@essexcountyoutreach.com
JOIN OUR VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
The December book choice is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. We will have a facilitated discussion about it on 12/14/25!
DAD’S SPEAK WEEK “LIVE”
MADMOM’S presents Dad's Speak Week “Live” event, Saturday December 13, 2025 1-4 PM Adams Street Library, 690 Adams Street, Dorchester MA This event is free and open to the public. This captivating gathering will feature an extraordinary lineup of strong, courageous men, including, David Swindell (TSWR Director of Engagement and Men’s Group facilitator) who will share their powerful stories of recovery, grief, loss and healing. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on their journeys, showcasing the strength it takes to overcome life's challenges and emerge victorious. The atmosphere will be vibrant and welcoming, filled with uplifting music and entertainment that sets the tone for an afternoon of inspiration. Enjoy light refreshments as you soak in the powerful narratives of resilience, change, and healing. Questions? Email janice@mothersagainstdrugs.org
Community Opioid Funds Listening Sessions
Your voice matters! The Towns of Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Orleans, and Harwich MA are working together to solicit feedback from residents to help make spending decisions. These Listening Sessions are intended to gather input on best use of Opioid Settlement funds and to foster regional collaboration. Join them for in-person and hybrid Listening Sessions! For those unable to attend a listening session at any of the scheduled times, there is also a community survey to collect input. To access the survey online click HERE or scan the QR code Questions? Contact Jo Morrissey at jomorrissey@crescendocg.com LET THEM KNOW GRIEF SUPPORT SHOULD BE AN IMPORTANT PART OF HOW THESE FUNDS ARE SPENT!
HALO INITIATIVES: FAMILY OVERDOSE SUPPORT FUND
Boston Residents! If you are a BOSTON resident who has experienced the death of a family member to overdose within the last 2 years, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial support. Apply here.
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean