Monthly Meetings

What to Expect at a Chapter Meeting

     You don’t need to pre-register to attend monthly meetings; feel free to come whenever you feel up to it and someone will greet you at the door. Meetings begin at 3:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m. If attending your first meeting, please try to arrive about 15 minutes early and someone will speak with you and tell you about the meeting, gather some information about you and your loss, and we will have a free gift for you.

 

     Coming to your first meeting can be difficult, but you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. You are welcome to bring your spouse, an adult relative, or other supportive person to your first meeting or two, until you feel comfortable with us. Meetings typically involve introductions sharing your child’s name, a short program or discussion on a topic related to grief, an informal time of refreshments and meeting in small group sharing sessions. You do not have to speak in the small group if you are not comfortable doing that. Simply listening to others’ experiences can be helpful. Anything shared during the meeting is confidential.

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     We ask that you not judge your first meeting as to whether TCF will work for you. That 2nd, 3rd, or 4th meeting might be the very time when you will find the right person or hear the right words that will help you in your grief. Remember, we are all bereaved parents and family members who struggle with similar issues and the same intense pain.

  

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Lending Library

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      As we make this very personal journey through life, the words and insight of others can provide hope, understanding and guidance. Please feel free to browse through the selection of books available in our Lending Library. All books may be borrowed for up to three months, or longer, if necessary, but please return them so that others can benefit from reading them also.

 

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Birthday Table

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      If it is your child's birthday month, we invite you to come to our monthly meeting and share a bit about them! (Even if you don't attend meetings regularly, we would love to meet you and honor your child.)

     Birthdays hold treasured memories and are especially difficult for surviving parents and siblings; TCF offers a wonderful venue to honor and celebrate the precious life-story of your loved one. Taking a few minutes to share a story, picture, memento, award, or even their favorite toy is a gentle reminder to all that love continues and grows with each passing year.

     A special Birthday Table is available to display your pictures and special keepsakes at the monthly meetings. If you wish, you may also bring in their favorite snack to share - or even a birthday cake!

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