You Don’t Owe Anyone the Details
When someone dies, one of the first questions people ask is, “How did they die?” Most of the time, the question isn’t asked with harm in mind. People ask this question for different reasons and most of them have more to do with their own discomfort than with the person who is grieving. Some are trying to make sense of the death by categorizing it. Knowing the “how” helps them feel safer or reassured that the same thing won’t happen to them. Others ask out of nervousness. Just filling the silence because they don’t know what else to say. And sometimes, people are just curious without realizing that curiosity can cause harm. But for someone who is grieving, especially after a sudden or substance use related death, the “how” can reopen trauma. It shifts the focus away from the person who lived and toward the moment they died. It can feel like your person has been reduced to a cause instead of remembered as a whole human being. I’m sorry if anyone asked you this question in your hardest days or in the years after. You are allowed to say less. You are allowed to protect your heart.
with care
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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THE WEEK AHEAD MEETING CHANGES
*****Some in person meetings may be cancelled if the locations aren’t open due to the storm***** Please check the calendar the day of your meeting for last minute changes.
Brockton MA group not meeting this month.
Grandparents group cancelled for this week.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Just Claying Around Painting Workshop 2/22/26 10:00 am-12:00 pm Bridgewater MA REGISTER HERE! Join The Sun Will Rise Foundation for a relaxed, low-key creative gathering focused on painting ceramic pieces. A selection of ceramics will be available to choose from. All materials are provided. Ages 18+ 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. Questions? Please contact Natalie Patricio: 774-955-7752 jeepgirl474@gmail.com
SADOD’s February Psychoeducational Virtual Workshop Introducing Grief Support 101: How to Show Up for Yourself and for Others Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:30 - 8:00 pm ET. Grief Support 101, offers an introduction to the many ways people experience and navigate grief. Whether you are personally bereaved, work with individuals who are grieving, or simply want to deepen your understanding of loss, this training provides a compassionate foundation. Register at bit.ly/intro-grief-support. 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
HERE IS SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR!
We celebrated the book launch of HEALING THROUGH WONDER with author Val Walker at Wey of Life! Would you like to share your story of awe or wonder and how it helped you in your grief? We are looking for someone for our April video for the project’s Youtube Channel. Sign up to share your story here.
Twenty-three sealed letters and notes of encouragement from attendees the virtual Men's Group, were delivered to the residents of Gilly's House, a sober home for men. The men’s group hopes to do a number of new intitives this year. Please join in, new attendees are always welcome!
JOIN OUR VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
The February 2026 book choice is The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss written by Mary-Frances O’Connor. NEW DATE 2/15/26 Join us via zoom.
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