reflections - the compassionate friends wa · storytime and “tuck into bed” time. i freely told...
TRANSCRIPT
Reflections Reflections N E W S L E T -
DECEMBER
A Message of love at Christmas
HELLO EVERYONE
My name is Sue Worth and I am proud to be the
Secretary of this wonderful organization called The
Compassionate Friends. Our President, Barbara has
asked me to write this on her behalf this Christmas.
Good luck with your studies Barbara.
As I sit here in front of my computer at 5am on a
Friday morning, with the thunder roaring and birds
welcoming in the new day, the tears flow and I know
without a doubt that our beloved daughter Sarah is close
by. She is always around. I find her every day in the
small things, the raucous laughter of her children Ryan
and Emily, a song she might sing, a gesture, a walk
through a perfume department decked with Christmas
smells, and the profile of a blond woman in the street. I
feel her too in our 12 newly hatched ducklings, Jimmy
Barnes, AC/DC, beautiful fingernails and beaming
smiles.
Sarah died from a heart attack in June 2010 aged
29. She had two children, Ryan 23 months and Emily, 8
months and many people who loved her. Christmas was
her favourite time of the year since she was a child. It
meant even more to her when her children were born.
Big gatherings around our pool, mountains of food,
presents, champagne, kids and fun. The list goes on, but
what it really meant was FAMILY. This Christmas will
be our eighth without her. My first Christmas without her
was unbearable but we got through it as a family. I had
recently become a member of TCF and attending the
Candlelight Service at St. George’s Cathedral made me
realise that I was not alone. I also met for the first time
my dear friend Judy who phoned me each week for two
years. Sitting in the church with a hundred people all
acknowledging their precious child was an amazing
experience. It gave me strength and courage to
face Christmas
without her.
Seeing the
beautiful
photos on the
altar and the
candles and being
surrounded by people who
had walked the same path
gave me the strength and
courage to put one foot in
front of the other and to
carry on. I will never forget
that night.
To those families
who have recently lost a child, I send my heartfelt love to
you. The first Christmas, first birthday, death
anniversary, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and in my
case, my grandchildren’s birthdays were to me and still
are, gut wrenchingly hard. Time has eased the pain
though.
Now seven years later though, it is a quiet time of
reflection, and we remember her as we always do with a
toast of bubbles. Still hard but okay. Candles will burn
all day for her and we will all remember the special
times. As I have, you will survive this tragedy but life
will never be the same. I urge you to speak your child’s
name often. Celebrate the time you had with them.
Surround yourself by people who love you. Whatever
works for you.
We never forget, never “get over it” just adjust to a
different reality. In the end it’s about the almighty love
you shared, always will and still do.
I will be thinking of you all as I tentatively step
into the shops and see families with their children
laughing, buying gifts and preparing for their Christmas.
Hopefully they will never experience our grief. Be kind
to yourselves, cry and know that your beloved child is
around you.
A quote from the newsletter we receive from TCF
in Winnipeg in Canada fits the Christmas message: –
“Gone from a pain in my heart, to an angel on my
shoulder”.
Love and blessings, Sue Worth, Mother of Sarah
Grieving Healing Growing Together
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Fun Quiz Night
QUIZ NIGHT 2017 SUCCESS!
On Saturday 4th November the TCF held their
annual quiz night at the City of Belmont
RSL. There were 12 tables of eight on the night
and as always a fabulous array of prizes. The
winning table was that of one of our TCF Board
members, Margaret Sandford and her husband
Geoff with their friends. Our quiz masters, Eric
and Andy along with Gordon helping with the
scoring, all did a fabulous job and kept everyone
entertained.
The door prize on the night went to Noel
Noonan from one of the Helena Valley Lifestyle
Village tables. Her husband Des was the bus
driver for the night, so I’m sure they will enjoy
their night out at the Hyatt Regency.
Many thanks to the Hyatt for their sponsorship
and also Cellarmasters, Annette and Wayne
Gallagher, United Way, The City of Belmont RSL
and of course Sharon Cave and Ian Hand.
Financially wise the night was a great success for
TCFWA, which helps keep our group up and
running to support newly bereaved parents.
Many thanks to all who attended.
$2,730 RAISED
Special thanks to Ian Hand and Sharon Cave for your prize donations
Our judges, Andy, Eric & Gordon….great job!!
Sue & Annette having way too much fun! Our barman John who kept us watered all night!
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Healing Connections
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL
The service will take place on Sunday 10th
December at 3pm so please make sure you
are at St George’s Cathedral by 2.30pm to
sign in, put your pictures on the alter and
find your seat.
Everyone is welcome and if possible please
bring a plate to share and a gift for a child,
as we will still have a cuppa before we make
the journey home.
Please arrive early to ensure that your child’s
name is entered into the remembrance book.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the
10th. All welcome. Please call Sue Worth on
0428 106 356 for information.
TCF WORLDWIDE CANDLE LIGHTING 2017 Sunday 10th December at 3pm
The Compassionate Friends
Worldwide Candle Lighting unites
family and friends around the globe
in lighting candles to honour the
memories of the sons, daughters,
brothers, sisters, and grandchildren
who left too soon.
Candles are lit as hundreds of
thousands of people commemorate
and honour the memory of all
children gone too soon. Meaning a
virtual 24-hour wave of light is
created as it moves around the
world.
Hundreds of ‘formal’ candle lighting
events are held each year, and
thousands of informal candle lightings
are conducted in homes, as families
gather in quiet remembrance of
children who have died, but will never
be forgotten.
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Fundraising
Charity of the Year Charity of the Year $17,685 RAISED FOR TCF
“During the past 12 months the staff of The St John of Gods
Hospital at Murdoch have raised money for The Compassionate
Friends as their” Charity of the Year”.
The fantastic amount of $17,685 was recently presented to
TCF. As a part of this process, CEO Colin Keogh, visited our
office for a very enjoyable morning tea and presented a
“Certificate of Appreciation to Charity of the Year, The
Compassionate Friends” to Annette Gallagher
and Sue and Geoff Worth.
We passed on our sincere thanks to Colin
and his wonderful staff for their generosity.
Colin acknowledged the hard work of TCF
volunteers and said that we make a huge
difference to families who lose a child.
These funds are vitally important to our
future, and we would like to acknowledge the
generosity of all the people at St. John of
Gods, and thank them sincerely for their
sponsorship.
“Thank You”
To all those who donated to our organisation this past three months. We are very grateful for all
your wonderful gifts of love xoxoxo
To everyone who volunteered in the office, Committee, sent in their membership fees,
supported the quiz night, who makes sure our newsletter is published, collated and posted, and take our support groups each month. You are all very much appreciated and there are no words to
thank you enough.
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Important Notices
WALK OF
REMEMBRANCE
The walk of remembrance that is held in
March each year will be once again held at the
children’s park at Burswood. The walk is a
sponsored walk and there will be forms sent
out in our next newsletter for everyone to have
a look at. The group of those attendees walk as
much or as little as they can do to the
Windamn bridge and back and then a
barbeque is held which gives everyone time to
catch up with those they have made friends
with over time. The weather is normally on
our side and it makes for a lovely Sunday
morning outing whilst remembering our
children and raising much needed funds for
our organisation.
A huge thank you to all who have
sent their membership
subscription in. It is
very much
appreciated.
MEMBERSHIP In June we mailed out approximately
350 invoices for the 2017/2018
financial year. Of these we have had
52 renewals. This leaves us around
$9000 short in funding to maintain
our services to our members, that
includes phone support, brochures and
our quarterly newsletter. Our deficit
for the last financial year was over
$6000 and we cannot sustain this.
PLEASE PAY UP MEMBERSHIP
DONATIONS FROM
COMPANIES WELCOMED
If you are fortunate to be working for a
successful company please think about
suggesting out organisation for fundraising
or sponsorship. We are totally supported by
our members to keeping our doors open so
that we can assist newly bereaved parents
and continue our ongoing support.
We are continuously working on ways to
promote The Compassionate Friends of WA,
so any support from our members would be
welcomed.
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Siblings Grief
What Bereaved Children Want
Adults to Know about Grief
Copyright: TCF WA
Grandparents Grief
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STORYTIME
Storytime came early this week, ie: on Monday
(25/11/02) at lunchtime instead of on a Tuesday
evening.
Aidan was awake (or conscious anyway) so I
asked whether he would like a story or to listen to
some music. He said he would like a story. I raced
out to the large book collection to try and find a
suitable story. I selected the ‘Rhymes for Annie
Rose’ and read a few poems to him. Dad was
waiting to take him up to the school to see his
classmates and as the “awake” time did not last
long, I could not delay his departure for school for
very long.
Over the past week I was extremely fortunate
to be able to spend some quality time with Aidan,
just sitting with him listening to his music
massaging his tiny back or just holding his hand.
Various family members and close friends also took
part in this ritual from time to time. He was not left
“alone” and he was aware of the presence of family
and friends. He acknowledged a person’s presence
with a nod or a hello or a hug. He was that sort of
special child. One say when I asked how he was, he
gave me a “thumbs up”.
Aidan has always been a “man’s man” but we
had a good relationship nonetheless. I used to take
him shopping on a Saturday morning and whilst he
was sitting up like jacky in the baby seat (and later
the booster seat) we used to play a game about how
many people loved Aidan. He has a vert large
family and it was quite a task to remember all the
names. I followed up the game at our weekly
storytime and “tuck into bed” time. I freely told him
how much I loved him and how much he was loved.
For anyone lucky enough to have grandchildren,
they will know about the special bond between a
grandparent and a grandchild.
Aidan died just a few minutes after midnight
on 27/11/02 after a courageous 3 year battle with a
brain tumour. He died physically but his spiritual
presence is very much still here.
On the day of Aidan’s funeral one of our rose
bushes called “Joyfulness” was brimming with
blooms, so I took two roses (one each for my
husband and me) to place into his grave.
After Aidan died, various friends bought
special roses for me to plant in the garden. The
roses were bought for their names. My Aidan
memorial rose garden now contains:
“Angel Face”, “Courage”, “Superstar”. “Happy
Child”, “Hero” and “The Children’s Rose”
Having a special area set aside has been very
healing for my husband and me. The garden also
provides us with roses to take to the cemetery to
place on Aidan’s grave.
On the first Christmas Day after Aidan died my
husband and I went up to Pinnaroo Cemetery to
place some special roses on Aidan’s grave. We had
no sooner put the roses down when a couple of
kangaroos came forward and took the tops off the
roses. Initially I was upset but my husband pointed
out that, as Aidan had a real sense of mischief about
him, he would have laughed at the antics of the
kangaroos.
Tricia Engler Grandmother of Aidan Michael James Telcik
who died on 27.11.02 at the age of 7 years and
8 months
Dear Billy I don’t know if you like roses, I know I do, I bring you flowers, I don’t know what else to do, You might think it’s ‘sissy’ to bring you a rose, Are there flowers where you are? Nobody knows, I know you liked wildflowers, banksias and such, But nothing we bring you is ever enough, So a posy of roses and wildflowers too, Is all we can ever now bring to you, Birthdays will come and go and yet, Eighteen is as old as you’ll ever get, You were loaned to us all for eighteen short years, And now we are thinking of you through our tears, You’ve been gone one year on the third of May, When the good Lord chose to take you away, So if there is a Heaven, I know you are there, If there’s a God you are in His care, So we’ll keep bringing you flowers, Billy my love, And hope you know, from Heaven above, That we love you and miss you, beautiful Bill, We always have and we always will, Nanny xxx and Grandad xxx
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If fees have been paid, we would love to put your child’s name, photo, poems, prayers, etc onto our website to honour your child. Please contact the office for further information.
BURTON Joshua 05/03/1983—07/01/2011. Our dear Josh, we miss you every day and will always love you. Mum, Dad, Bec, Jeremy, Ben and all the family xoxoxo CSERESZNYES Michael 26/02/1971—16/02/2015. My darling son, you are missed and loved every single day of my life and I miss your beautiful smile. Love always Mum xoxoxo DUFF Jessica Emily 07/07/80—16/12/03. You are always with me, love Mum xoxoxo FLANAGAN Aidan William 17/01/1983—12/12/2002. An extremely sad day for us all and memories sometimes do not mean enough but you are in our hearts and remembered well with much love and blessings. MUM, JULIE & FAMILY xoxoxo GALLAGHER: Mark Peter 31/01/2004. Forever missed, Forever Loved. MUM, DAD ROB and AMANDA xoxoxo GREEN Michael 22/12/88—06/02/2008. I can’t believe it is now ten years since I said ’Goodbye’ to you. It still feels like yesterday. I miss you so much my precious son. Love forever Mum xoxoxo HARPER Josh 19/11/85—13/08/2017. Happy birthday Josh. Our first birthday without you. We love and miss you so much, Mum and Dad xoxoxo HERRIOTT-EVANS Kyle Stephen 28/11/1985—24/01/2016. This year on your special day we celebrate your birth and treasure every moment that you were here on earth. We took those days for granted, and never dreamt or thought that our lives would change forever and yours would be so short. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Love always Mum xoxoxo KINGSTON Tara Helene, 04/10/1971—28/02/2013. You are so missed every day. Your gorgeous daughter looks so like you and in so many ways. I so wish our family was whole again. Love you forever, Mum xoxoxo
KINGSTON Devin Patrick 19/02/1970—16/01/2004. Our gentle giant. You were taken too soon. You are my only son and a gorgeous brother to your 3 sisters. Your memories will always live on with your family and friends. Love you always Mum xoxoxo MARSHALL Georgia Olivia 16/08/2001—14/01/2010. “Gorgeous Girl”. Our hearts miss you more and more each passing day. Watch over your big brother Aaron—Aza to you. He is driving!! Love you and miss you forever, Mum, Dad and Aza. xoxoxo MATTHEWS Chris 08/06/1982—Jan 2009. Still can’t believe you are gone. My life has changed and you have given me strength to help others. We all miss you so much, love Mum, Ian, Colin and Ashley xoxoxo McKEICH Martin Andrew, born 27th November 1968. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal. We will love and miss you for ever. Mum, Dad, Darren, Vanessa, Natalie, Riley, Phoebe and all your family xoxoxo SHAW Chane l E l i zabeth N i co l e 22/02/2010—04/01/2012. Our little girl that we love and miss so very much, You will always be in our mind and in our hearts. Always remembered and never ever forgotten. Love Mummy and Daddy xoxoxo SCHILLING Rebecca Faye, 08/03/1983—26/02/2013. I have lost my lovely daughter and in my heart I still long to hold her and tell her it’s alright. RIP love Mum xoxoxo
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An angel wrote in the book of life my baby’s date of
birth, then whispered as she closed the book,
“Too beautiful for earth.”
If you would like to include your child’s, sibling or grandchild’s details for the next issue, please fill out the
enclosed form before the next quarterly issue. It will appear on the relevant month closest to the anniversary.
BATT Jeremy Lawrence, born 20th December 1975. Loving memories always of our precious son and brother. Never forgotten, love Dad, Mum and Damien xoxoxo BURTON Joshua, born 5th March 1983. We miss you every day, love Hailey, Mum, Dad, Jeremy, Ben and families. COREMANS Rene Robert born 18th January 1977. You are in our hearts always darling and it is a great comfort to know that you watch over us at all times. We miss you and love you always. Mum, Michells, Senem, Beliz, Kerem, David, Jess and Jasper xoxoxo CSERESZNYES Michael born 26th February 1971. My darling son, you are missed and loved every single day of my life and I miss your beautiful smile. Love always Mum xoxoxo FIELDING Robert Charles born 3rd February 1981. I am often surprised at how long it’s been since you left us because there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. Your sense of humour, your brilliant mind! What you would have achieved, who you would have married and the children you could have had. Robbie we love you and miss you. Mum, Dad and David xoxoxo
FLANAGAN Aidan William, born 17th January 1983. You are in my thoughts everyday and missed more than words can say. Love is always within your reach from Mum, sister Julie, brother-in-law Iain, nephews Kane and Louis. xoxoxo GREEN Michael born 22nd December 1988. Another year passes without you being here to celebrate your birthday. I miss and love you so much my precious son. “Forever Young”. Love Mum xoxoxo KINGSTON Devin Patrick born 19th February 1970. Our gentle giant. You were taken too soon. You are my only son and a gorgeous brother to your 3 sisters. Your memories will always live on with your family and friends. Love you always Mum xoxoxo ROBBINS Adam John, born 16th December 1983. To our lovely son who brought us so much joy. It will be your 34th birthday. We love you more than you could ever imagine, love Mum, Dad, Jade and Lucy xoxoxo SERMANNI Clifford Elliot, age 19 years, born 30th December 1992. Forever in our hearts. xoxoxox TCHERNAKOFF Paul Jason, age 41 years, born 18th January 1971. Paul, you are so very missed by us all. It still seems unreal that you are no longer with us but we all feel your spirit. From all your family and friends. xoxoxo Van EIJNDHOVEN Mark (Dutchy) born 19th December 1980. Forever in our hearts and minds. A piece of all of our hearts went with you when you left this earth. Love forever, Mum, Dad, family and all your mates. xoxoxox
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10
Healing Connections
10
Healing Connections
The Mandurah Group of The Compassionate Friends
held their annual weekend retreat at Nanga Bush Camp
(just past Dwellingup WA), in November for 2017
A few TCF WA members were invited and had a wonderful time
relaxing and getting to know their fellow group members. On offer were
Reiki, Readings, Spiritual Healing, Workshop and Bushwalking.
The accommodation was very
rustic….and the highlight of the
weekend was our rose petal
dedication to our beloved children.
Wendy organised hundreds of rose
petal which we took down to the
river and released with love for our
lost children. It was very emotional
as we watched the rose petals flow
downstream. A very moving and
touching experience.
Breakfast made by chef Gary and an extra visitor.
FOR ONE MORE DAY By Mitch Albom
The Mandurah TCF members enjoying good
food and good company in a relaxed setting.
Some of our therapists
Trauma, loss and grief affect all of us at some time. This
Every family is a ghost story . . .'As a child, Charley Benetto was
told by his father, 'You can be a mama's boy or a daddy's boy, but
you can't be both.' So he chooses his father, only to see him
disappear when Charley is on the verge of adolescence. Decades
later, Charley is a broken man. His life has been destroyed by
alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits
rock bottom after discovering he won't be invited to his only
daughter's wedding. And he decides to take his own life. Charley
makes a midnight ride to his small hometown: his final journey.
But as he staggers into his old house, he makes an astonishing
discovery. His mother - who died eight years earlier - is there,
and welcomes Charley home as if nothing had ever happened.
What follows is the one seemingly ordinary day so many of us
yearn for: a chance to make good with a lost parent, to explain
the family secrets and to seek forgiveness.
11
Healing Connections
Remembering the
Memories……
Has it really been nearly 9 years since
I lost you?
Where has the time gone?
I struggle to remember you as a child and
a young man. Was I just too busy with life? You
and your 3 brothers were the centre of my
world. I loved the baby and toddler stage—4
small pairs of shoes by the front door, 4 jackets
hanging in the cupboard, all those nappies, toys,
Lego and train set. I loved being your mum and
you loved me back. You gave me lots of hugs
and cuddles, then you grew into a lovely young
man, a gentleman. I was so proud of you for the
26 years you were here. Such a high achiever.
Were you really even here? The time
together went so quick. I have photos and
videos but struggle with the memories. Your
touch, your smell and just being your mum.
People say,
“you have the
memories”, but
memories fade
and I struggle
looking back. I
wish we had a
future
together—
marriage, a
daughter in
law,
grandchildren,
but I know that
will never
happen.
This isn’t the order of the Universe. No
parent should ever have to bury their child. The
pain doesn’t ease, you just learn to live with it. It
doesn’t show on the outside but it’s always there
like a dull ache.
Life goes on for everyone and I often feel
left behind because of the ache in my heart.
There is an emptiness, a void that can never be
filled. I accept my immortality in the hope to be
with Chris when my work is done here.
Ursula, mother to Chris Matthews
08/06/1982—Jan 2009
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Healing Connections
Burswood-based Youth Focus
says suicide stats reveal need
for action Written by Aaron Corlett - Southern Gazette NEWS
DESPITE figures showing a drop in the number of
suicide-related deaths across Australia, Burswood-
based organisation Youth Focus believes more
investment and awareness is needed to save
young lives.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
report Causes of Death 2016 shows that 2866
people died from intentional self-harm in
Australia, compared to 3027 the previous year.
In WA, 371 people died as a result of suicide last
year, compared to 394 in 2015.
This included 54 young people aged
between 15 and 24, slightly down from 55 the
previous year.
Youth Focus community engagement general
manager Chris Harris said the rate of youth suicide
had reached crisis point and the statistics were a
“call to action”.
“The rate of suicide, which is the most
preventable cause of death in young people, is not
acceptable,” he said. “It is not OK that any young
person believes that ending their life is a preferred
choice.”
The ABS data shows suicide deaths
accounted for a greater proportion of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander deaths at 5.5 per cent
compared to non-indigenous Australians 1.7 per
cent. "The data reflects high rates of suicide for
the traditional owners of our country,” Mr Harris
said.
“It is imperative that we work collaboratively
with Aboriginal communities to find the right
solutions to changing this.” Mr Harris said experts
were hopeful that the high number of young
people taking their own lives could be arrested.
“To reverse these numbers we have to work
together as a community,” he said. “It is a social
responsibility to ensure young people receive the
support they need at the earliest opportunity.”
If you or someone you know needs urgent
support, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300
659 467, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline
on 13 11 14. Courtesy of Community News
THE RIGHTS OF THE SURVIVOR 1. To mourn in his or her own way and within the
time it takes.
2. To know the truth about the suicide, to see the
body of the deceased, and to organize the funeral
with respect to one’s own ideas and rituals.
3. To consider suicide as the result of several
interrelated causes that produced unbearable pain
for the deceased.
4. To live wholly, with joy and sorrow, free of
STIGMA or JUDGMENT.
5. To have his or her privacy respected as well as
that of the deceased.
6. To find support from relatives, friends,
colleagues…..and from the professional helpers
who have knowledge and insight in the dynamics
of bereavement, potential risk factors, and in the
administrative consequences.
7. To be contacted by the clinician/caregiver (if
any) who treated the deceased person.
8. To not be considered as a suicide candidate or
as a patient.
9. To place one’s experience in the service of other
survivors, caregivers and anyone who seeks to
better understand suicide and suicide
bereavement.
10. To never be as before: there is a life before the
suicide and a life afterwards.
Source :- WERKGROUP VERDER – Belgium’s Suicide Support
Organisation.
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Mondo Community Warriors (Mondo Butchers, Inglewood) for their donation of $2500.00 and Vince Ilarda from Mondo’s Warriors, for taking the time to come and
visit me. Phone: 9371 6350
Email: [email protected]
824 Beaufort Street, Inglewood WA 6052
59 Belmont Ave (08) 9365 9500
Thank you to Fuji Xerox Australia PTY Ltd. For all your support in printing our quarterly
Reflections newsletter.
SPONSORS
Thank you to the following sponsors:
RSL BELMONT Thank you for your contributions towards
our successful fundraising Quiz Night.
“The most beautiful things
in the world are not seen or
touched. They are felt with
the heart.”
Helen Keller
“At the darkest
moment...there is the
promise of daylight”.
London Times
“There were many ways of
breaking a heart. Stories
were full of hearts broken
by love, but what really
broke a heart was taking
away its dream – whatever
that dream might be
Pearl Buck
1892—1973
A big thank you to
FreoMama for their
fundraising donation
of $320
Thank you to
SHARON CAVES
& IAN HAND
For your continuous support
in donating prizes for our
Quiz Night.
Freo Mama is created by Emilia Gray of O Studios by Onesies & Co Portrait Photography.
14 14
REBUILDING LIFE AFTER GRIEF
Lionheart Camp for Kids is designed for families with children aged between 5—12 years following the death of
a parent or child within the family.
Contact Shelly Skinner, Program Director 0416 344 024 [email protected]
Penny Tassone, Marking Director 0418 944 523
RAINBOWS FOR KIDS &TEENS
Rainbows Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation, as part of an international
organisation that fosters emotional healing among children and youth grieving a loss from a
life-altering crisis.
Sunbeams Info: By participating in SunBeams, children aged 3-6 have an opportunity to grieve the loss in their family and develop
appropriate coping mechanisms for life.
For more information please contact: Margaret Maassen, Rainbows WA, Registered Director
0402 738 570
Jenny Rea, Rainbows Director 94054681
ARBOR
ARBOR stands for Active Response Bereavement Outreach. It offers short-medium term counselling, referral, volunteer peer support and support groups to people who have lost loved ones to suicide.
Address 23 Adelaide Terrace East Perth WA, 6004 Postal Address GPO Box C138 East Perth WA 6892 Phone (08) 9263 2000 Email [email protected] Web: www.anglicarewa.org.au
Under: relationships/suicide-prevention-
postvention
Help Available For Others
The Compassionate Friends Monthly Support
Groups at Heathridge Perth and Freemantle What others have said about our group gatherings:
“It has certainly helped me on my journey of grief. It is so
healing to meet with other bereaved parents. We can walk the
walk together and be with others who truly
understand and care”.
“You offered an experience which allowed me the peace,
space and environment to share my particular agony with
other bereaved parents who I know will become new friends”.
"“To be with people who experienced similar made
me feel normal".
“Such a unique opportunity to come and meet with others who
understand the pain of the loss of a beloved son or daughter.
Here you can immerse yourself in the comfort and warmth of
a dedicated team of bereaved parent supporters.”
"The biggest thing I took from the group meeting was being in
a safe place, surrounded by others who understand the grief
you are going through and being able to identify with each
other about the isolation and frustrations that grief brings"
Help in the office. Your time and assistance would be valuable to us.
URGENT REQUEST!! Please give your support by donating postage stamps. They are used to send out anniversary cards to grieving parents to give much needed
support.
The Worst Loss
“Every parent’s worst nightmare is to lose a child”.
This phrase may be a cliché but each year, for
thousands of parents and siblings, the nightmare
becomes a reality.
For over 40 years, The Compassionate Friends has
been offering support to families in their time of greatest
need from the only source that really understands—
other bereaved families. With mutual support, we guide
each other through the new world in which we find
ourselves.
Whatever the age of the child you have lost and
whatever the cause, we are here for you and we can say
truly:
“I know how you feel.”
The Compassionate Friends has no religious or political
affiliations. We are all one in our shared loss.
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WEB SITES
For a list of grief sites please look at;
www.compassionatefriendswa.org.au
We also invite you to view The Compassionate Friends of Western Australia web and view web sights worldwide. You may also consider accessing email newsletter’s from TCF worldwide. We are truly a worldwide group and encourage you to make links when traveling.
Please let us know if you have changed your telephone number or your address.
If you would like your newsletter e-mailed, please contact us on
[email protected] If you no longer require the newsletter please or have changed your address, email or phone to
cancel delivery.
SIBLINGS: The Forgotten Mourners A Guide to Healthy Grieving
This DVD is intended to assist bereaved siblings to deal with the death of a brother or sister in a
healthy manner. $16.50 each plus postage $2.35 Please contact TCF Mandurah on 9535 7761
SUICIDE IN MEMORIAM BOOK
Please pass on your loved ones name direct to: [email protected]
38 St George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000
WE ARE HERE 2 Delhi Street, West Perth
A Worldwide Organisation
The Compassionate Friends of Western Australia strives to support families who have lost a child, regardless of that child’s age, throughout WA. We are a non-profit, non-government funded charity that provide peer call support, group meetings, a drop in centre, sending out quarterly newsletters, Anniversary cards, Walk of Remembrance and a Candlelight (non-religious) service at Christmas. We are run by volunteers and bereaved parents that are further along in their grief and wish to help others who have suffered this tragedy. Although we are not councilors, we encourage you to reach out to us. Although everybody’s grief is different, it helps to talk to someone who has actually had this tragedy happen to them. They WON’T say “I know how you feel”, as no-one can, but they will say “I don’t know exactly what you are feeling but this is how I felt when my child died”. We raise funds by holding events, charity drives and donations from our members and outside bodies. Although this is fantastic, we still struggle with the cost of keeping our doors open, so any suggestions on fundraising or donations are gratefully accepted, whether they be a prize for our quiz night or financial.
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PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS We invite and welcome our fellow bereaved parents to the following groups. We value your company and after the group session we welcome sharing of supper or lunch and friendships. You are most welcome to bring a plate to share. The group last approximately 2 hours for caring and sharing stories. Parent support groups start at 7.30pm and morning tea groups start at 10am. See you there”.
CITY WEST—PERTH
Call in Centre, Mon & Wed 10—2pm PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE on 9486 8711
FREMANTLE
2nd Wednesday of each month 7pm—8.30pm At: The Meeting Place
245 South Tce, South Fremantle Ring Margaret 0411 770 599 for details
HEATHRIDGE
4th Thursday of each month at 7.30pm At: The Spiers Centre, cnr Albatross Court and
Poseidon Road, Heathridge 9486 8711
MIDLAND To be confirmed at a later date.
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE on 9486 8711
MANDURAH 1st Thursday of each month for bereaved
parents, grandparents and siblings. At: Eastlake Church, cnr Lakes Road and
Murdoch Drive, Mandurah 7pm—9pm
Office: Lotteries House, 7 Anzac Place, Mandurah. Phone: 9535 7761
MANDURAH SUICIDE GROUP
3rd Friday of each month At: Lotteries House, 7 Anzac Place, Mandurah
9.30am—12.30pm
BUNBURY 4th Wednesday of each month
Please ring Wendy first on 9725 0153
We need not walk alone. We are The Compassionate Friends.
We reach out to each other with love, understanding and with hope.
Our children have died at all ages and from many different causes, but our
love for our children unites us.
For any information, please call our office on 9486 8711 or 9486 8717
Our local call support volunteers are
Rhona and Lillian on (08) 9486 8711 Perth Jillian on (08) 9652 9017
for Badgingarra and Doreen and Peter Shorter on
(08) 9764 1101 for Ballingup
Donations always welcome to our account BSB 066001 Account no 10107668
To ensure that information is accurate and up to date, you and your call will be most welcomed. The Compassionate
Friends of Western Australia does not make any recommendations to any one view of grief or way of
mourning, as each of you will find your unique way of expressing your love and pain on the tragic death of your precious loved one. We provide a range of literature from
TCFWA and worldwide as well as a book library, plus professional input. These are provided knowing that you will choose and then respond in a way that you believe to be the best for you at any given time. We welcome the sharing of
your stories and poems in the newsletter so others know that they are not alone. “You will make a difference!”. The articles and written material in this newsletter may not represent the
opinions of TCFWA Inc members and associates.
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS of WESTERN
AUSTRALIA Inc. City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi
Street, West Perth, 6005 Office 9486 8711and
9486 8717 [email protected] Category A Charity No: 18526 ABN: 1741 750 2246
We Need Not Walk Alone