Sometimes you’re reading and have to stop for a minute. Someone has described a thought you’ve had since your person died, maybe one you haven’t said out loud. You might not relate to their whole story, but that one passage makes you feel understood. It can also give you something to share with someone who’s been trying to understand what you’re going through: “Here. This is what I haven’t been able to explain.” This week, we’re sharing below, three books by current or former facilitators in our community, and our book club begins next Sunday, November 1, with the book Signs. Whatever you’re reading, if reading is something you’re able to enjoy at this point in your grief, you may come across words that stay with you. If you feel like sharing them, we’d love to hear what spoke to you. Someone else in our community may need those words, too.
~Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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RECENT HAPPENINGS AT TSWR!
It was a huge honor to attend the presentation of Judge Sorokin’s portrait at the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts in Boston. Our Restorative Justice work with Judge Sorokin has allowed us to have a voice as surrogate victims, sharing how substance use-related deaths have affected our lives and taking part in meaningful conversations with people whose actions have caused harm. We’re grateful for his commitment to this work and for recognizing the value of our experiences in the process.
Look at this… TSWR being represented and spreading the word about grief support in Berwick Pennsylvania at OctSOBERfest!
Thank you to Julie Foster and everyone who joined us for When Grief Lives in the Body. We spent time exploring the physical side of grief and gentle ways to care for ourselves. We’re grateful we could make space for this together.
8 WEEK PEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP SIGN-UP
We allow people to join up to week two and still have some spots that remain open. Please join our new pilot 8 week peer grief support group in Braintree MA. Join us this Thursday 10/29/26. Register here!
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Peer Support Community Partners’s October Psychoeducation Virtual Workshop: When Grief Lives in the Body: Understanding the Physical Experience of Loss Tuesday, October 27th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm This workshop will explore the physical experience of grief. Together, we will explore how grief can affect the body, why physical symptoms may emerge after a loss, and how understanding these responses can help us approach ourselves with greater compassion. REGISTER 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. To take advantage of this special offer, make sure you select YES when asked if you live or work in Massachusetts. Non-MA residents, if cost is an issue, may use promo code SCHOLARSHIP to register for free.
Come paint with us! Portable Paint Party on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 11 AM–1 PM at Stoneham MA Public Library! Artist Denise Feeney will guide us step by step as we create our own paintings. No experience needed, and all supplies are provided. Spend a couple of hours creating alongside others who understand grief. The event is free, with a $20 deposit returned when you attend. Please give at least 10 days’ notice if you need to cancel to receive your deposit back. If the deposit is a barrier, please reach out to Judy at judyannkelly@gmail.com. Save your spot here!
Virtual Book Club starts back up Sunday!
2026–2027 Reading Selections
November 1, 2026
Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe
by Laura Lynne Jackson ZOOM LINK
December 6, 2026
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson
January 3, 2027
The Last Things I’ll Remember
by Randi Schalet
February 7, 2027
The Year of Magical Thinking
by Joan Didion
March 7, 2027
The Disappearance: A Memoir of Loss
by Geneviève Jurgensen
April 4, 2027
The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans
AUTHOR NEWS!
Randi Schalet, one of our book club facilitators, is the author of The Last Things I’ll Remember, a collection of poetry written in the aftermath of her son’s death. Through personal memories and everyday moments, Randi puts words to the grief so many parents carry and the love that continues. Learn more and purchase the book
A Private Storm by Michael Simon, who facilitates one of our TSWR men’s grief support groups, is now available for purchase. Michael shares the story of his son Robert’s life and death, weaving his experience as a father with information about addiction and its impact on families. His love for Robert is at the heart of this book, along with his hope that sharing their story will help other families feel less alone and better understand what someone they care about may be facing. Buy a copy here.
Cheryl Juaire, founder of Team Sharing and a former facilitator of a TSWR faith-based grief support group, has written Still, I Believe, a memoir about her life and faith following the overdose deaths of her sons, Corey and Sean. Many of you know Cheryl through her support and advocacy for grieving families, and this book offers a deeply personal look at her own story. Preorders available here.
INTO LIGHT SUBMISSIONS
INTO LIGHT Project is accepting submissions in the following states now for Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories exhibitions in 2027.
INTO LIGHT Project is a national nonprofit working to change how people understand addiction, because stigma and misinformation cost lives. Our educational exhibition, Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, pairs original graphite portraits with professionally written narratives about people who died from substance use disorder.
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.
Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email? Have them sign up here for support!
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean