Grief Counseling

For those not interested in groups, or prefer their own reading, there are numerous books about grief and dying at all major book stores and public libraries.  Some are age specific and others are loss specific (i.e. loss of a spouse, parent, child, etc.)  We encourage you to seek these resources if you feel the need.  If you need additional help or suggestions, please feel free to contact the Director of Pastoral Care who is listed above. (Suggested readings for children who’ve experienced the death of a loved one can be found under “Grief Support for Children.”)

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis,

This is a literary piece composed by writer C.S. Lewis after the death of his wife. He goes through a myriad of emotions, questioning the role of God and his own religious beliefs.

On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler

On Kubler-Ross’s deathbed, she works with friend David Kessler to compose a book that helps to understand her own dying and grieving process.

Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen and Taylor Bills

Tear Soup is the story of Grandy, who has just suffered a big loss in her life. She blends emotions and memories into Tear Soup as a way to work thru the healing and grieving process.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: 20th Aniversary Edition by Leo Buscaglia

As Freddie experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves, he learns about the delicate balance between life and death.

I Wasn’t Ready to Say Good-bye by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair

Coping and healing after the sudden death of a loved one

Living with Grief by Hospice Foundation of America and Kenneth Doka

Coping and healing after the death of a love one from Alzheimer’s

Getting to the Other Side of Grief by Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge

This is a book on the death of a spouse.

Silent Grief: Miscarriage-Child Loss by Clara Hinton

In Silent Grief, author Clara Hinton knows what she's talking about. Experiencing the heartbreak of child loss firsthand, she tackles this universal tragedy by talking with women and men who have dealt with miscarriage.

Grief Support Groups

Educational bereavement support group. Led by Tom Fish at Premier Hospice of Georgia. Noon-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Gainesville and Hall County Community Service Center, 430 Prior St., Suite 200, Gainesville. 770-533-4422 or 800-533-4422.

Good G.R.I.E.F. Giving Resources Individually and Enjoying Friends, for widows and widowers. Contact Billy Hendrix, 678-617-2760.

Grief support group. Noon fourth Tuesdays, Gainesville Community Center, 430 Prior St., Gainesville. 770-533-4422.

Grief support group. 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Cornerstone Assembly of God Church, 3622 Atlanta Highway, Flowery Branch. 770-503-1111.

Helping Other Parents Endure, prenatal loss support group. 7 p.m. fourth Thursdays, Northeast Georgia Medical Center. 770-531-3881, ext. 2035.

Widowed persons volunteer aides. 5:15 p.m. fourth Tuesdays, Community Service Center. 770-536-0072