PASCAGOULA -- Sandra Sumrall said there are always men present at the weekly meetings of GriefShare, a support group for people who have experienced the death of a loved one.
They are young and old, from teenagers to senior citizens. Some are single, some married, a
nd some single again after the loss of their spouses.
Sumrall, coordinator of GriefShare, notes the number of males because they are not the people society normally prescribes as needing consolation. Men are not expected to cry, she said.
"We always have men," said Sumrall. "There's always been young men in the class. There's always been old men in the class. They hurt as badly as we do. It's not always acceptable for them to cry, and so they keep coming."
She said average attendance is about 10, but ranges from six to 20 participants at any one time. Participation, usually about two-thirds women, grows as the class progresses.
GriefShare participants come from all walks of life. They've lost spouses, siblings, children, parents, grandparents, and others.
"The meetings are for everyone who has lost a loved one," said Sumrall.
Family members have died from a variety of reasons - vehicle wrecks, diseases, suicides, etc.
GriefShare, which takes place at First Methodist Church in Pascagoula, usually runs no more than two hours during weekly sessions. The spring class runs from January to May, the spring sessions from August to November.
Sumrall said the meetings allow residents to work through the grieving process.
"What many people find helpful is talking with other people. Many people don't understand people who are grieving," said Sumrall. "They think they ought to get over it and get on with life."
GriefShare members share their grieving processes with each other, including celebrations and memorials that mark the life and loss of family and friends. Some members have special ways to observe birthdays, or conduct activities that help them remember loved ones no longer living.
"What works for one person doesn't work for another," said Sumrall.
The most recent group of GriefShare participants have formed a very tight group, she said, and are still meeting through this summer, though official meetings restart in early August.
"They are by no means over the grieving," Sumrall said. "They saw the benefit of being together. They have come to depend on each other. They have cookouts over the summer."
GriefShare meets each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Residents needing the companionship and help of GriefShare may contact First Methodist Church in Pascagoula at 762-5222, or e-mail Sandra Sumrall at masonsumrall@cableone.net
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