Lawton/Ft. Sill Chapter of The Compassionate Friends & Memorial Garden

10/21/2026

TCF helped me to survive

10/21/2026

Join The Compassionate Friends for our Virtual Fall Retreat this Saturday, on October 24 - a day created especially for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings, to gather, learn, reflect, and find support from wherever you are.

One of our featured keynote presenters, Marcus Mitchell, will share:
"Grief, Grace, and a Supportive Community"

And that's just one part of this special day.

With three keynote speakers and a variety of workshops, the Virtual Fall Retreat offers opportunities to explore grief, gain new insights, connect with others and discover resources that can support you.

Best of all, there is NO registration fee.

For more information and to register, visit: https://cvent.me/8AVd35

10/17/2026

The world often remembers the difficult first days, but a mother's longing continues long after others return to their routines. She learns to carry her feelings quietly, through ordinary mornings and silent evenings. Even when nobody asks how she is doing, her daughter remains part of her thoughts, her memories, and the love she carries every day.

10/16/2026

Can you share any songs? Wide open spaces by the Dixie Chicks reminds me of Mariah, "The Dance" by Garth Brooks was sung by a classmate of my sons at Mariah's Funeral

A few notes can bring back a memory, a smile, or tears. Music can hold so much of our story and sometimes, hearing that familiar melody is like having a moment with our child, sibling, or grandchild.

Grandparents

10/13/2026

Our local Chapter meets on the first Thursday of the month @6:30 in the Fellowship hall of the First Church of the Nazarene 1402 NW Arlington..come see us

TCF Chapter meetings offer a place to connect with other bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings who understand. There's no pressure to have the right words. No expectation to be strong. No timeline for your grief. Just people who understand, a community that cares, and a place where you are welcome exactly as you are.

Whether your loss was recent or happened many years ago, it's never too late to reach out for support.

Find a Compassionate Friends chapter near you and discover the difference that connection and understanding can make.

10/13/2026

Join us in 2 weeks for our Virtual Fall Retreat on October 24 - a day created especially for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings, to gather, learn, reflect, and find support from wherever you are.

With three keynote speakers and 14 workshops, the Virtual Fall Retreat offers opportunities to explore grief, gain new insights, connect with others and discover resources that can support you.

Best of all, there is NO registration fee.

For more information and to register , visit: https://cvent.me/8AVd35

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

Coming up

This presentation provides an in-depth overview of disenfranchised grief—grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly mourned. It examines the contexts, causes, and complications of disenfranchised grief, focusing on its impact among the diverse populations served by The Compassionate Friends. The webinar emphasizes practical strategies for self-help and mutual support. Register to attend this webinar on Monday, October 12 at 4:00 pm ET https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e39XZX0CTK2Uojelc7dGww

Presented by Dr. Kenneth Doka - Dr. Kenneth J. Doka is a Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of The College of New Rochelle and Senior Vice-President for Grief Programs for the Hospice Foundation of America. He is one of the authors of the text, Dying & Death: Life & Living. A prolific author, Dr. Doka’s other books include Disenfranchised Grief: New Directions, Challenges, and Strategies for Practice and Disenfranchised Grief: . In addition to these books, he has published over 100 articles and book chapters. Dr. Doka is editor of both Omega: The Journal of Death and Dying and Journeys: A Newsletter to Help in Bereavement. He has an ongoing blog for Psychology Today entitled Good Mourning.

10/04/2026

Mariah Claire

10/03/2026

Our Local Chapter meetings 🤝 are on the first Thursday of the Month... If you like to receive our newsletter, leave a message, our News editor reminded us of the World Wide Candle lighting ceremony on Dec 13, more Announcements coming up, if you like to add your child to the Picture Slideshow please send a picture (2) to our Editor in messenger by Nov 15th

If you've never attended a TCF meeting you may wonder:
Will I have to talk?
Will people understand?
What if I cry?
What if I don't know what to say?

The answer is simple: Come as you are.

You may discover something you didn't know that you needed. A place where you don't feel so alone

Whether your loss happened recently or many years ago, it is never too late to reach out for support. Find a local chapter today https://www.compassionatefriends.org/find-support/chapters/chapter-locator/