Bereaved Parents of the USA, Suffolk County NY Chapter

10/01/2024

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF THE START TIME TO 6:30PM FOR OUR BPUSA SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAPTER MONTHLY DINNER ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND... https://www.facebook.com/events/801448371907118

When grieving, Mondays can feel overwhelming, like the world is rushing forward when our hearts are still tender. But grief quietly reminds us to slow down, to be kind to ourselves, and to move gently through the day. If today feels difficult, know that it's okay to take things at your own pace. Give yourself grace and remember that healing doesn't have a timeline.

07/18/2024

In the quiet moments when grief feels overwhelming, it can be a profound comfort to know we are not alone. The loss of a loved one, especially a child, brings a unique and intense sorrow that often seems impossible to convey to those who haven't experienced it.

But when we find others who understand, those who have walked this painful path themselves, something beautiful happens. Our grief, while still deep and raw, feels a little lighter. Sharing our stories, our tears, and our memories with those who truly get it creates a bond that transcends the isolation of our sorrow. In these shared moments, we find solace and a sense of connection that helps to lift the heavy burden of our grief.

07/14/2024

Saturday mornings remind us to take a gentle pause, allowing ourselves to feel our grief deeply. In the quiet of the morning, we find a sacred space to reflect on the love and cherished moments that forever remain in our hearts. It’s a time to honor our memories, letting our hearts open to the sorrow and the enduring bonds we share with those we've lost. Let Saturday mornings be a tender reminder to embrace our feelings and hold close to the love that endures.

07/08/2024

for us parents, grandparents, and siblings...

When we lose a child, the grief is overwhelming and all-consuming. But what many don’t realize are the secondary losses that come with it. The ripple effects touch every part of our lives. Friendships may change as people struggle to understand our pain. Hobbies and activities that once brought joy now feel empty. Even our sense of self can shift, as we grapple with a future that looks so different from what we imagined.

These secondary losses can feel isolating, adding layers to the already profound grief. But in these moments, it's important to reach out and connect with others who understand. Together we can share these hidden sorrows and support each other through the many facets of loss.

We need to give ourselves permission to mourn not just our children, but also the life we thought we’d have with them. Together, we can acknowledge these secondary losses, find comfort in shared experiences, and slowly begin to piece together a new way forward. We are here to hold each other up and honor all the losses we bear.

06/18/2024

a reminder that if you need someone to talk to please come to our BPUSA Suffolk County NY Chapter Monthly Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, 6/18, 7pm at the American Legion Post 651, 23 Foster Ave, Sayville, NY 11782. Refreshments will be provided. Please share with anyone interested... https://www.facebook.com/events/437458252524764/

Today our hearts are with the dads who had to give them back…
🦋

06/17/2024

05/01/2024

a reminder that our next BPUSA Suffolk County Chapter Monthly Dinner will be held this evening, Wednesday, May 1st at 6:30 PM, at the Holbrook Diner. Please share this with anyone interested and let Phyllis know if you are coming. Hope to see you there... https://www.facebook.com/BereavedParentsUSA/photos/pb.100064675302518.-2207520000/5315961041751810/?type=3

BORROWED HOPE
By Eloise Cole

Lend me your hope for a while,
I seem to have mislaid mine.

Lost and hopeless feelings accompany me daily.
Pain and confusion are my companions.
I know not where to turn.
Looking ahead to future times
Does not bring forth images of renewed hope.
I see mirthless times, pain-filled days,
and more tragedy.

Lend me your hope for a while,
I seem to have mislaid mine.

Hold my hand and hug me,
Listen to all my ramblings,
I need to unleash the pain and let it tumble out.
Recovery seems so far distant,
The road to healing a long and lonely one.

Lend me your hope for a while,
I seem to have mislaid mine.

Stand by me, offer me your presence,
Your ears and your love.
Acknowledge my pain, it is so real and ever present.
I am overwhelmed with sad and conflicting thoughts.

Lend me your hope for a while.
A time will come when I will heal,
And I will lend my renewed hope to others.

Need Support? Find a chapter in your area:
www.bereavedparentsusa.org/chapters/find-a-chapter/

04/08/2024

a reminder that our next BPUSA Suffolk County Chapter Monthly Dinner will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9th at 6:30 PM, at the Holbrook Diner. Please share this with anyone interested and let Phyllis know if you are coming. Hope to see you there... https://www.facebook.com/events/407818211944412/

As the moon is about to pass in front of the sun, I'm reminded of how grief can sometimes overshadow our happiness. It's like a dark cloud that temporarily blocks the sun's light. But you know what? It can't erase the beauty of the moments we've shared with our loved ones. Those memories still shine brightly, guiding us through the darkness.

💛

04/03/2024

a reminder that due to the weather, our next BPUSA Suffolk County Chapter Monthly Dinner will be held Tuesday, April 9th at 6:30 PM, at the Holbrook Diner. Please share this with anyone interested and let Phyllis know if you are coming. Hope to see you there... https://www.facebook.com/events/407818211944412/

These words resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss. Grief is not a static state; it ebbs and flows, shifting like the tides of the sea. It can be overwhelming one moment and quietly present in the next. Yet, one thing remains constant - it never truly ends.

Grief is a journey, a path we walk with heavy hearts and tear-stained cheeks. It changes us, shaping us into beings who carry the weight of loss while seeking moments of lightness and healing. It transforms over time, but its presence is always felt, a silent companion in our daily lives.

Despite its ever-changing nature, grief is a testament to the love we hold for those we've lost. It is the price we pay for loving deeply, a reminder of the beautiful connections we shared with our loved ones. And while it may never truly end, it can evolve into a source of strength and resilience. 💙

02/07/2024

a reminder that our next Suffolk County Chapter Monthly Dinner will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 7th , 6:00 PM, at the Holbrook Diner. Hope to see you there...

In every petal there is remembrance. 🕊️

01/29/2024

a reminder that our next Suffolk County Chapter Monthly Dinner will be held on next Wednesday, February 7th , 6:00 PM, at the Holbrook Diner. Hope to see you there...
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=772427268256354&set=a.554612043371212

❤️SAVE the DATE❤️

Journey of Love, the
Bereaved Parents of the USA National Gathering Conference will be held in Herndon, Virginia, from July 26th to July 28th.

Early Bird registration begins on February 14th.❤️

Amidst the journey of love in child loss, grandchild loss, and sibling loss, discover solace and connection at the Bereaved Parents of the USA National Gathering. This sacred gathering becomes a haven for hearts navigating the delicate path of grief. Come, and share in the warmth of understanding and compassion, as we honor the enduring love that transcends loss.

Early bird registration, opening on Valentine's Day, invites you to be part of this healing community for $75. It's an opportunity to embrace a network of support, to learn from shared experiences, and to find strength in unity. More information will follow.

Check this page frequently to stay updated with registration information and gathering news.

Remember that your heart is not alone, and in the embrace of shared love, we find the courage to navigate the complexities of grief. ❤️

11/14/2023

if you need someone to talk to please come to our BPUSA Suffolk County NY Chapter Monthly Meeting on Tuesday 11/21, 7:00pm at the American Legion Post 651, 23 Foster Ave, Sayville, NY 11782. Refreshments will be provided. Please share with anyone interested...

During this meeting, we will be planning our Worldwide Candle Lighting Memorial Dinner for Sunday, December 10th. Please bring your ideas and suggestions for this event. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/wcl/

You may also bring any new photos you have to give to Jeff Macholz for the photo presentation during the event. If anyone would like new images in the slideshow for the dinner, Jeff would need them at least a week beforehand by 12/2/23 in order to process everything. Please send them to [email protected] and cc: [email protected]... https://www.facebook.com/events/1033539181028469/

Grief can be a relentless taskmaster, always pushing us to be 'further' along in our healing journey. It's easy to fall into the trap of self-judgment, to feel like we should have it all figured out by now. But the truth is, grief is not a linear path, and there's no right or wrong way to grieve.

Let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the importance of self-compassion. If a dear friend were going through the same heartache, we would offer them nothing but love, understanding, and patience. So, why not extend that same kindness to ourselves?

Grief healing is a deeply personal journey, and there is no timetable for it. It's okay to have good days and bad days, to take one step forward and two steps back. What matters is that we continue to walk this path, at our own pace, with love and compassion for ourselves.

So, let's be as gentle with ourselves as we would be with a cherished friend in their time of sorrow. Embrace the journey, honor your emotions, and know that healing takes time.