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No Wrong Way to Grieve

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Grief Mess Updated
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Grieving is messy and difficult. We like things easy with clear steps to follow. This is why many people gravitate to the “5 Stage of Grief” by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross when they are grieving. Most people do not realize those stages were actually created to explain what the person who is dying goes through, not the grief those who are left behind actually experience.

The grief felt after the death of a loved one is far more involved than five steps, which often leads people to believe, they are grieving wrong. There is no “right or wrong” way to the feelings one experiences when they are grieving and there is not a timeframe. Many feel if they make it through the emotions, and challenges of the first year after the death, things “should be better”. The truth is often people will find the second year more difficult to navigate than the first. Grief triggers can come from a smell, a song or even food can bring up unexpected emotions. We want grief to be easy and linear but in reality, it is far messier. If you are grieving, take care of yourself by give yourself grace and patience. It helps to talk with people you trust about what you experiencing and going through.

 Reflections of Life Articles: Winter 2023

Rockin the Sunset

The 2023 Rockin the Sunset Concert for a Cause is almost here! This year we are featuring the sounds of the legendary Sir Elton John presented by Greggie and the Jets. The evening will be fun for all ages. Wear your favorite Elton John inspired outfit for a chance to win prizes. February 24th at …

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On My Honor

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” – Scout Oath. The Scouts from troops 525 and 4117 who came to volunteer their …

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Gift of Leadership

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care and St. Francis Reflections Foundation are both nonprofit organizations lead by volunteer boards. Each board member commits to serve up to nine years to help St. Francis best serve those who need end of life care. Some might call them the invisible heroes. They attend meetings and contribute their talents …

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Getting Ready to DASH Again

It was a cool morning at the Veterans Memorial Center on the Indian River as the horn sounded for the start of the first annual 2022 DASH in Life 5k on November 12. There were over 170 registrants and many cheering friends, family members and volunteers all along the beautiful course to provide encouragement and …

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Holiday, Hope, and Happy Moments

For the first time in several years, the staff at St. Francis Reflections was able to get together for some holiday fun, enjoying great food and white elephant gifts. A time to visit, laugh and thanks to Tammy Rolfe try their hand at fused glass. Senior leadership was on hand and they brought some of …

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Affirming Life

There are those who find it difficult to discuss the purposes of hospice. For us, hospice is our every day. We consider it affirming to be a part of those last months and days. We know much can happen to create wonderful moments and to help people with personal wishes, closure, and putting their houses …

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Welcoming Warriors Home

Our commitments in life comes with purpose. At St. Francis Reflections, through our We Honor Veterans program we are deliberate in our yearly welcome home to our Vietnam Veterans. This commitment is to rectify and restore that which did not happen when our individual heroes returned home. During that politically charged time, Veterans suffered emotional …

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