Why We Sometimes Lean Into Sadness
There are times in grief when some of us may go toward the things that we know will make us cry or our chest tighten as a way of coping. A song, a picture, a memory we’ve held a hundred times. It isn’t dramatic or intentional. It’s more like a pull. A need. When someone we love has died, the quiet stretches where we feel nothing or numb can be scary. They can feel like distance. And that distance can feel too close to forgetting. So we lean into the sadness because it brings us back to them for a moment. I’ve watched a short video of Nick on replay many times and sobbed. There’s something grounding about it. A reminder that the connection didn’t end, even though everything else changed. If you catch yourself doing this, it doesn’t mean you're stuck. It means you’re human and you’re trying to stay close to someone who still matters with your whole heart. Do you do unexpected things in grief? Tell us about how you cope with your grief on our private facebook page.
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
Find the most up-to-date meeting info, ZOOM links and LOCATION info all in one place!
**********IMPORTANT**********
DOWNLOAD THE TEAMUP APP TO VIEW THE LINKS PROPERLY IF VIEWING ON YOUR PHONE. Click here for how to join app!
Click here to open the website calendar
Please check the calendar before you drive to an in-person group…last-minute changes can happen. If it is not listed on the monthly calendar, it is cancelled for that date.
If you’re receiving this email, you do not need to pre-register again.
Brockton, MA group not meeting this month.
Portland, ME group not meeting this month.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
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
SADOD’s December Psychoeducational Workshop. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 6:30-8:00 pm ET Stories are a way of showing us how we see the world and what is sacred to us. This workshop, led by nationally-recognized storyteller, Meghann Perry, will offer an opportunity to explore a new relationship to the stories of the death of our person. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/changing-narrative-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
Join us for a special holiday season zoom group, Sunday December 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm ET. Kathi Sullivan facilitating. Join via zoom.
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!
HOLIDAY TREE OF REMEMBRANCE
For residents of Cape Ann, Essex County MA. A holiday tree of remembrance, grief support gathering. Register with Melissa. See flyers for details.
INTO LIGHT
INTO LIGHT Project, a national non-profit, creates public exhibitions of original portraits and individual stories of people who have died from the disease of drug addiction in locations around the country.
They are taking submissions now for the Hawaii, Wisconsin & Vermont Exhibits.
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
Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email? Have them sign up here for support!
Join our private Facebook page.
Want to volunteer for The Sun Will Rise? Sign up here!
Click here to view past newsletters on our website
“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean