Help is available for those on a grief journey

So much help is available for those going through a grief journey. Three very good national organizations (some with local affiliates) are out there. I mention these in my very first blog writing: Compassionate Friends, Alive Alone and Bereaved Parents USA. There are also organizations for different causes of a child's death. A few are listed here. A more detailed list is in my book, "I Have No Intention of Saying Good-bye." If you think one of these can be of any help to you, don't hesitate to call or email them.

SUICIDE: The American Society of Suicidology supplies information to lead famiilies of suicide victims to local resources such as survivor's groups. One of these groups is The Samaritans which provides self-help support. They hold meetings every week to allow the opportunity to ventilate feelings. A national hotline is also beneficial. Email: info@suicidology.org and phone: 202-237-2280.

CANCER: The Candlelighters Childhhod Cancer Foundation is for parent support of children who have or who have had any form of cancer. It is worldwide; there are no dues; they do have a monthly newsletter. Their philosophy is that "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." Email: staff@candlelighters.org and phone: 301-962-3520.

SIDS: The National Sudden Infant Death Foundation helps parents deal with the shock and grief of losing their babies to SIDS and connects those parents. It provides information and counseling serivces and has a bimonthly free newsletter. Phone: 301-322-2620.

AIDS: The National Association of People with AIDS educates the public and provides services needed for those afflicted with AIDS. They can also refer people to additional souces of help. Email: info@napwa.org or phone: 240-247-0880

MURDERS: Parents of Murdered Children puts grieving parents in touch with each other. There are chapters all over the United States for support and you can be with those who will listen and understand. Email: natlpomc@aol.com and phone: 513-721-LOVE.

TAPS: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. offers peer support and assists survivors who have lost a loved one in the line of military duty. They also have a national magazine published a few times a year with interesting stories of hope and survival. Email: info@taps.org and phone: 1800-959-TAPS.

To talk to or be with people who truly understand and will listen not only can be very helpful but also very comforting. As The Compassionate Friend's motto says, "We are not alone."