Oasis: a Centre for Bereavement and Healing

The Merriam - Webster's definition makes "Hope" seem close to "wish" to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true. Whatever the details, hope in general means a desire for things to change for the better, and to want that better situation very much.

How is your first chapter going to look, start today by keeping a journal and be the author of your own story.

As we say good bye to the crazy year that was 2020, lets be reminded of the renewal the New Year can bring, to your dreams, your ambitions, your health and happiness. We can all work towards what's important to us in 2021.

What is traditionally a celebratory time of the year, can be the hardest for many whose loved one has died. Be kind to yourself, don't feel you need to make resolutions, as Claire Bidwell Smith says " Let your resolution be one of vulnerability". So many of us are afraid to feel all the big emotions that come after a loss. These feelings can be overwhelming and also make you feel like you are not functioning like everyone else around you, but let that be okay for now. https://clairebidwellsmith.com/grief-new-year/

As we continue through this Covid journey, make sure you look after yourself, and remember we are all only responsible for ourselves, so let's concentrate on what we can control and let the other stuff go. This is called Self Care!

The new updated edition of resources to support the residents of York Region is out. The Up Your Life guide is a collection of more than 400 community resources, addressing issues like food insecurity, shelter, housing, and much more. www.uphub.ca

Excellent and timely programs offered by our friends at Hospice Georgina.

Christmas happens on December 25th but NOVEMBER 25th is when Doane House Hospice hosts its next DEATH CAFÉ! Gather with us in a respectful, life-affirming, thou...ght provoking conversation about an important topic that continues to hide in the closet'...not the chimney (See the poster in COMMENTS for details.) No cost. Register by November 18th @ 905-967-0259 See more

After simply loving "Inside Out" and "Coco", we are looking forward to seeing how Pixar addresses death in "Soul".

Roots to Grow! Consider joining this upcoming (no-cost) program at Doane House Hospice throughout the fall and winter. Check out the details, dates and call to register! Doane House Hospice 1989 - 2019 Celebrating 30 years in the community!

Some days we can shine more than others.

We are honoured to put out our Pinwheel for PAIL on this Wave of Light Day. The International Wave of Light is to remember babies lost during pregnancy and infancy. Join the organizers of Wave of Light in Newmarket at The Riverwalk Commons at 7pm tonight.

Are you celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend with a loved one who is grieving? Help them navigate their experience by following their lead and acknowledging their loved one. This and other tips from Psychology Today can be found in these insightful comics: https://www.psychologytoday.com//how-support-grieving-peop

Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, which means those who are grieving will be bombarded by memories and traditions that may accentuate their loss. Here are some tips from Psychology Today for navigating grief during the holidays. https://www.psychologytoday.com//how-deal-grief-during-the

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we are reminded how grief, mental health, and suicide are intertwined. Can you take 40 seconds of action? https://www.who.int//ment/suicide/flyer-40seconds-web.pdf

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Often we think of the grief and loss suffered by mothers - but the fathers also lose a part of themselves.

Whether it is with a professional counselor or a trusted friend, talking helps in so many ways.

Please register with Sharron Spencer at 905-722-9333 ext 4 or email [email protected] to participate in this lovely tribute event to lost pregnancies and babies on October 15, 2019. Check-in begins at 6:30pm with candle-lighting at 7pm.

When a sibling dies rememberyou are not alone, and you are not forgotten. No, your love does not end with the death of your brother or sister. You can and will carry your sibling with you into the future, always remembering your past and what he or she brought to the dance of your life. https://www.centerforloss.com//helping-heal-adult-sibling/

Sometimes death invites us to reconsider how we live.

We are excited that Healing in Nature: Bereavement Network is hosting a fall bereavement group in York Region. This support group combines grief and bereavement support with hiking in the beautiful Sheppard's Bush Conservation area. It is a wonderful combination. The group starts Sunday October 20th. For more information: [email protected]

Many thanks to the 2019 Wave of Light Committee for hosting the Newmarket chapter of the International Wave of Light to remember our little ones that have died in pregnancy & infancy. Free ceremony @ Newmarket Riverwalk Commons Tuesday October 15th, 2019 7pm-8pm For more information: [email protected]

If you or someone you know is having treatment at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, consider this (free) art therapy program being held there on Monday Sept.... 30th from 9:30 - 11:30 in the Conference Room, Lobby Level. No art experience necessary. Registration required. Call 905-967-0259 See more

#Truth It takes a village. Join ours. ABedForMyHeart.com

We say: DO cry - or not. Both are normal. There is no one right way to grieve.

Amazing resource! Many thanks Canadian Virtual Hospice!

Got plans next Monday (Sept. 30th) evening between 6 - 8 p.m.? Why not end the month with a life-affirming conversation....about DEATH... at our upcoming Death ...Café. Location Doane House Hospice. All are welcome but spots are limited so registration is required (by Sept. 23rd) Call 967-0259. (It won't KILL you to TALK about DEATH). See more

Myth #4: There is a right way to grieve. Let's talk about these myths. If we don't, they stay as beliefs.

When grieving, "We focus more on our emotional pain but not our physical pain. However, it is important to address both."

Register now for our upcoming Death Café. Come. Join the conversation! It wont KILL you to talk about DEATH!! Gather with us in a respectful, life-affirming, t...hought-provoking conversation about an important topic that continues to hide in the closet. Drink tea. Eat cake. Registration required (by Sept. 23rd). Call 905-967- 0259. See more

Thank you Doane House Hospice for offering this amazing opportunity for cancer patients at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre.

Grief-fiti. Love it!

Order you Pinwheels for Pail (Pregnancy and Infant Loss). https://sunnybrook.formstack.com/forms/pinwheels_for_pail Help make visible the loss that is so often kept invisible.

Beautiful stories. Telling our stories helps. It helps both the story teller and the listener to know they are not alone.

"So Ill remember the love in yesterday and Ill feel the love in today and Ill look for the love in tomorrow. Ill hug my dad extra hard. Ill take my mom on vacation with me. Ill write my friends letters on how much they mean to me, and Ill look at every sunset just a bit longer than normal. This wont go back to normal. There is no normal without my brother. Sometimes, life just really, really sucks. But Ill love anyway. For him, I will" Beautifully said.

There are stillbirthday.com trained birth and bereavement doulas in York Region. Please reach out - you are not alone.