"How are you?" In early grief, this question can make you want to scream. How do you think I am? You might be thinking, I'm horrible. I'm barely getting by. I want to crawl into bed and never come out. Instead, you just say, "I'm okay." Most people aren't asking because they expect you to be okay. They're asking because they care. They just don't know what else to say. As time passes, the question doesn't always get easier. Some days you still don't know how to answer. I've learned that you don't owe everyone the same answer. Some people have earned the real one. Others may hear...I'm hanging in there…I'm doing the best I can…Today's been a tough day. Or simply...I'm okay. None of those answers are dishonest. You don't have to explain yourself to everyone. You get to decide how much of your heart you share and who you share it with.
~Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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MEETING CHANGES THIS WEEK
Starting this week and going forward, Judy Kelly will facilitate the Weymouth MA group.
HERE IS SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED AT TSWR RECENTLY!
The Cape Cod Canal Cruise! What perfect weather! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our cruise.
It was so great to be on the water with people who understand. Some of us spent the evening talking, some sat quietly taking in the view and some did a little of both.That's what makes these gatherings so special. There isn't a right way to show up. More photos to come!
The Men’s Group Fly Fishing Trip! An amazing few days spent standing in a river, casting a fly fishing line and sharing the quiet with people who simply understand. Thank you to the members of our mens group who attended. Sometimes getting outside and spending time together is exactly what's needed.
LIVING IN THE COLOR EXHIBIT
A grieving sister who created this project asked that we share this with you. Living in the Color is a community-based art exhibit, illustrating the multilayered reality of substance use disorder. Through the art of photography and personal narratives, Living in the Color illuminates the faces impacted; shining a light of hope to help break the stigma and reduce the shame around addiction while affirming that recovery, and a life lived in the color, is possible. Submissions are open to individuals with lived or living experience, people in recovery, grievers, first responders, educators, medical professionals, and more. The submission deadline is mid-July. Exhibit runs Aug 7–Sept 6 at Zumi's (Topsfield & Ipswich) Share your story.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Create a memorial lantern in memory or honor of someone you care about as we prepare for the Braintree/Weymouth MA International Overdose Awareness Day Lantern Walk & Glowstick Ceremony at Pond Meadow Park on 8/27/26. All materials provided. There are four dates & locations. Each lantern created during these workshops will be carried or displayed during our IOAD Lantern Walk & Glow Stick Ceremony, where we will come together as a community to remember those who have died due to substance use related causes and support one another in hope and healing.Questions? robyn@thesunwillrise.org A virtual workshop will also be held. Date TBD.
Choose Between Three Remaining Workshops:
7/16/26 Wey of Life Weymouth MA REGISTER
7/29/26 6:00 pm Hope Beyond Hope Weymouth MA REGISTER
8/3/26 Thayer Public Library Logan Auditorium Braintee MA REGISTER
SADOD’s July Psychoeducational Workshop: A Brief Introduction to Neuroscience as it Pertains to Substance Use and to Grief Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 6:30 - 8:00 pm ET Many people feel that they are forever changed after the death a loved one, yet not many know how their brain has been impacted. This workshop will provide a brief introduction to neuroscience and how substance use and grief each affect the brain. This is not a clinical training, nor is it a training that will diagnose or provide any medical information. REGISTER HERE. 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. Non-MA residents, if cost is an issue, use promo code SCHOLARSHIP to register for free.
Pick Your Own Flowers Sunday August 9, 2026 2:00-4:00 pm. Cross St Farm Norwell MA Our group will have the farm fields to ourselves as we gather together to admire the blooms spread throughout the seven acre flower farm. Walk the rows at your own pace, choose your stems, and bring home a hand-cut bouquet straight from the field. We will have the opportunity to cut 20 stems of beautiful summer blooms to bring home. Zinnias, lisianthus, cosmos, snapdragons, celosia, sunflowers, pincushion, globe amaranth, grasses are among the possible varieties that may be bursting! 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. The ground is uneven so may not be easy to navigate for those with mobility difficulties. Questions about the event? Please email judy kelly judyannkelly@gmail.com 781-264-0557 REGISTER HERE!
Renew, Refresh, Reset Grief Retreat for Bereaved Parents Date: August 14-16, 2026. We have received your registrations and will notify you shortly if you have a spot or are on the waitlist. Questions about the retreat? Contact Cheryl Juaire Cherju4339@aol.com Sign up here for waitlist.
International Overdose Awareness Day Lantern Walk & Glowstick Remembrance Thursday August 27th, 2026 6:00 pm ET Braintree MA Join The Sun Will Rise Foundation, the Town of Braintree, The Braintree Community Partnership, the Town of Weymouth and the Weymouth Prevention Alliance as we come together to honor International Overdose Awareness Day. This evening is an opportunity to remember those who have died due to substance use-related causes while standing alongside others who understand the lasting impact of these deaths. We will gather at Pond Meadow Park for a remembrance ceremony where participants will be invited to take part in our glow stick ceremony. This is a meaningful ceremony that honors the lives of those we carry in our hearts and reminds us that their light continues to shine. Stay for just the ceremony or walk with us, carrying our own handmade illuminated memorial lanterns, around Pond Meadow. Together we remember. Register here. Make a lantern to carry at one of our workshops! There will not be a separate Braintree butterfly release this year or a Weymouth vigil. Questions? Contact robyn@thesunwillrise.org
Mark your calendar! On October 3, 2026 we'll gather for a very special evening as we celebrate 10 years of The Sun Will Rise Foundation, recognize Cheryl Juaire's incredible contributions, and look ahead to this new chapter together. We hope you'll join us. More details are coming soon!
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