When I was 7 years old, my family experienced a devestatingly transformational loss. My 16 year old brother passed away unexpectedly, and thus, my family and I went through an extended period of grief. Days of emotional numbness, highlighted by emotional outbursts that were well beyond control characterized each member's life in the aftermath. On the backside of this loss, the traditional saying "Time heals all wounds" I have found to be a partial truth. Today, each member of my family can breathe and function again, which is a long ways from where we were, so in that sense- yes, healing has occurred. I would also have to concede that the emotional scars of this loss are still visible 38 years later, so in that sense, complete restoration of where we were before the loss will never go back here on this earth.
Grief is a very complex process that requires each reluctant captive to participate in the journey. This means that, like it or not, this path is set before us to walk out, and just like really cold water at the beginning of summer, the best approach is jump in and push forward. This is so difficult to do, especially for teenagers.
The Abbey Hospice of Social Circle will host CAMP JOURNEY, a camping experience for teenagers who have experienced a loss, April 30th thru May 1st. If your family has been through the crucible of loss in the last three years, this therapeutic experience can help a person to sort out the intense and complex feelings/issues that surround losing a loved one. Check out the information that is attached below:
Camp Journey Brochure
Information and Application
