Grieving families can now find solace in New Waterford

NEW WATERFORD - Losing a spouse or loved one can be a lonely and difficult journey.

Jay Radman and others want to make the path a little easier with a new class at the Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford. Radman has gone through the tragic grieving process himself and knows first-hand the difficulty that can go along with the death of a loved one.

"The first year, people really need help," Radman said. "We try to get them to talk."

At the class, there is a whole roomful of people who they can relate to. In many instances their group of friends or family just may not know how to talk to them during this period. People do not know what to say and in some cases may simply stay away from the grieving person.

At the class, there are "a lot of good people to talk to" Radman points out, and he believes talking throughout the grieving process is important.

He also said it is important that many realize the loneliness and feelings they are having are healthy and normal. In some cases medication may help, but in many others it just covers up the pain and makes the situation worse.

"Grief that's covered up with medication or whatever it may be, it always comes back," Radman said. "You need to be around people."

Radman said the group provides more than the emotional support, with resources that can help those going through grief navigate their way to the future. Radman said it is important for them to realize this is not the time to make a quick decision.

"A lot of times people do things they regret," Radman said.

The program's classes may include information about how to help a child dealing with a death in the family, how to deal with insensitive people and how to move from the grieving process into the healing one.

The program works with the resources available at www.griefshare.com, which suggests books and other literature available to guide people through the next year. There are videos in each of the 13-week classes that provide information on things any grieving person may be facing. The program includes a faith-based curriculum that welcomes all denominations.

It was originally started by a couple who lost two infant children, according to Radman. The program has been spreading from community to community. Radman has attended the program in other towns and believes New Waterford and every community should find a way to offer the class.

The Abundant Life Fellowship grief class is free and meets at 6:30 p.m., starting this upcoming Tuesday. Widows, widowers, those who have lost a child, a friend or another loved one are all welcome to attend.

djohnson@mojonews.com