To celebrate the launch of Valley Hospice Foundation’s “Grief Library”, which is a FREE books-by-mail loaning resource for all Nova Scotians, we will be sharing about how to access this Library and sharing a conversation with innovative master writer, Sheree Fitch to discuss her work, experiences with loss, and her new writings on this grief. Hosts will be interacting in the chat during the broadcast.

Sarah Scott, Grief Specialist/Spiritual Advisor

Did you know that you came with me to Summer Camp this year?

Well, you might not remember the journey, but you did indeed come along with me as I served for a week at Brigadoon Village to support “Camp Solace” which is their camp for children and teens aged 9-18 who are experiencing grief because of death of a loved one.

Did you felt a goodness and kindness in the air around you, but was unsure where it was coming from?

You were present lakeside as we met and talked.  You were present fireside as we laughed and sang.  You were present at our “Cairn Ceremony” where our campers spoke the name of their loved one and a core memory before placing their rock on our Cairn.  You might not have known it, but you were there- in fact I brought you all to camp in the trunk of my car!

But how did YOU come to camp with me?

As I sat on the shaded dock waiting for my first group, mostly 12 year olds, to come running down the ramp for our morning session, I looked around at all the resources that I had laid out for the work of the day.  And I saw all of you!

I held one book, “One Wave at a Time; a story of Grief and Healing” that was bought by one of you in our “Adopt-a-Book Campaign” and laid it out ready to read it as they sat on the edge of the lake.

I picked up the Activity Booklet that the Valley Hospice Foundation printed this year at our local printshop. I rolled over the soccer ball that was made to be a part of our Kids Grief Kits and that was first shared at our Hike for Hospice table.

All around me were workbooks that you folks supplied and resourced.   In my older group, mostly 17 year olds, we used the art cards found in “The Grief Deck”, that were funded by you, to lay out powerful artistic images they chose to best represent their feelings and experiences.

In the evenings, I’d go down to the medical center and I’d see on the coffee table the “Mini Grief Library” that was set up for kids (and staff!) to look through. Your fingerprints were all over this week!

Facilitating small groups is where I spent the most of my time and energy at Brigadoon.  My regular positions with Valley Hospice Foundation as a Grief Subject Matter Expert, and my role with Valley Hospice supporting Spiritual Health, both offered their partnership in allowing me space from my regular duties to be able to attend Camp Solace as a part of the Brigadoon Mental Health Support Team.

Oh, you were all around me in those small groups!!!