Grief Support Group Comforts Father

Although Paul Tooley had some experience dealing with death and loss when his father died of prostate cancer, nothing prepared him for the shock and pain of one of life’s most poignant losses—the death of a child.

Paul found solace at hospice through a special support group designed for those affected by traumatic death. “Attending this support group led by Denise Watterson was one of the most helpful things I did during my darkest days,” he says. “It was powerful and moving, and it helped all of us begin to process our feelings in meaningful ways. I think we all got a tremendous amount out of it, and we’ve stayed in touch afterward.”

Paul shared, “I would like everyone in the community to know that Hospice of Frederick County is always there when you need them. Their experienced, compassionate, dedicated staff and volunteers are waiting to serve you, and help heal the deepest wounds and sadness.

Life can go on, and with the tools Hospice provides, and the knowledge that we are not alone in our grief, the journey can be smoother as we strive to make sense out of what has happened, and eventually make peace with things so we can again find happiness.”

Thanks to generous community support, Hospice of Frederick County provided grief support at no charge to 757 people in 2013. If you or someone you know is grieving, call us at call 240-566-3030, or email Linda Kinna-Engel at lkinna@fmh.org, or Denise Watterson at dwatterson@fmh.org.