WHEN GRIEF CHANGES OUR REFLECTION
Grief has a way of changing how we see ourselves, sometimes in our mind or even in the mirror or in a picture. You might catch your reflection and feel like you’re looking at a stranger. The eyes look different or the smile looks different. I remember thinking, “Where did the old me go?” and realizing I didn’t have an answer. There’s a weariness or a softness there that wasn’t before. Maybe there’s strength too, the quiet kind that comes from getting through what you thought you couldn’t. I’ve found many glimpses of my old self again, but I don’t think I will ever see myself like I did prior to experiencing deep grief. Take a moment this week to really look at yourself. Not to judge or to fix, but to see. To notice the person who has carried so much and is still here. That’s no small thing.
Read more: Change, Identity Loss and Grief
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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HERE’S SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR!
Some attendees of the Men’s Group gathered at Sagres in Fall River MA for an evening of good food and conversation that reminded them they’re not walking this road alone.
Our Healing Through Laughter, Play & Games event in Weymouth MA, with Meghann Perry Group, offered a space to unwind together and find moments of lightness.
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
New event! 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 evening together. This will be a simple, welcoming night 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
New event! 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 BRAND NEW VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
Just read the first book Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall and we will have a facilitated discussion about it on 11/9/25!
RAISING GRIEVING CHILDREN VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
These are not specific to substance use related grief, but may be helpful for anyone raising grieving children.
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.
LOOKING FOR THE ZOOM LINKS & MEETING INFO? CLICK HERE
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean