SOMETIMES THERE ISN’T A SECOND CHANCE

There’s a moment in grief that hits hard. It’s when you realize you don’t get another chance. No do-over, no changing the last conversation, no taking one more picture, no chance to get the relationship on better terms. No fixing or preventing what led to their death. It’s a feeling that can stop you in your tracks. Sometimes it shows up quietly, when you think, “If only I’d known then what I know now.” Other times it comes in without warning. That ache of wishing you could go back, even just for one more ordinary day. We learn, over time, to live alongside the truth that there is no second chance this time. We try to find small ways of continuing the love that didn’t end, even if the story did. If this feeling has been coming up for you lately, know that you’re not alone. Many of us are still learning how to live with the things we can’t change and how to keep our hearts open anyway.

~ Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

MONTHLY CALENDAR

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THE WEEK AHEAD

The Kingston MA group Matthew’s Candle is not meeting at Plymouth County Outreach this week.

HERE’S SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR!

Senior facilitator Kerry Bickford led us in wonderful workshop creating special ways of remembering our people during the holidays. Here a few of the lovely creations!

The Sun Will Rise was invited to the South Shore Women Gather for Good quarterly meeting as one of three female-led nonprofit grant nominees. Director Leslie Lagos got to speak about our grief support services and joined in with the other nominees and members to make blankets for Project Linus!

Robyn Houston-Bean, Founder and Michelle Rueda, Facilitator, were asked to participate in the 2025 Simmons University Rize Harm Reduction Summit that included a screening of the Documentary, Recovery City. We were able to discuss why grief support is a form of harm reduction.

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

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!

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION

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.