Afterloss & Grief Counseling

Learning to cope with grief

Because we understand...

We are pleased and honored to offer you a sensitive and caring grief-recovery program specially developed to help you deal with the grief that follows the loss of a loved one.

This program is our gift to you.

Helping you understand how to deal with grief, this program consists of a series of monthly help letters called AfterLoss. 

AfterLoss will be there for you bringing encouragement, practical support and guidance to help you move into the days ahead.

AfterLoss will help you face tomorrow by teaching you how to deal with the problems of today including the painful feelings and emotions that arise after a loss, such as grief and loneliness, and even guilt and rage.

Providing opportunities for support is just one way we hope to continue to be of service. Please know that we are here for you.

    I may often need to tell you what happened 

    or to ask you why it happened.

    Each time I discuss my loss, I am helping myself

    face the reality of the death of my loved one.

    I need to know that you care about me.

    I need to feel your touch, your hugs.

    I need you to just be with me

    (And I need to be with you.)

    I need to talk about my loss.

    I need to know you believe in me and in my

    ability to get through my grief in my own way.

    (And in my own time.)

    Please don't judge me now 

    or think that I'm behaving strangely.

    Remember I'm grieving.

    I may even be in shock.

    I may feel afraid. I may feel deep rage.

    I may even feel guilty. - But above all, I hurt.

    I'm experiencing a pain unlike Any I've ever felt before.

    Don't worry if you think I'm getting better

    and then suddenly I seem to slip backward.

    Grief makes me behave this way at times.

    And please don't tell me you know how I feel,

    or that it's time for me to get on with my life.

    (I am probably already saying this to myself.)

    What I need now is time to grieve and to recover.

    Most of all, thank you for being my friend.

    Thank you for your patience.

    Thank you for caring

    Thank you for helping, for understanding.

    Thank you for praying for me.

    And remember, in the days or years ahead,

    after your loss - when you need me

    as I have needed you - I will understand.

    And then I will come and be with you.

    - Barbara Hills- LesStrang 

Susan Tuomela

Facilitator - Support Groups

Consultant - Speaker

Resources - Printed Materials

(218) 749-2089

8573 Spring Park Rd.

Mt. Iron, MN 55768

Wednesday 5-8 p.m. Sunday 5 - 9 p.m.

624 South 13th St.

Virginia, MN 55792

(218) 749-2881

Toll free (800) 450-2273

407 East 3rd St.

Duluth, MN 55805

(218) 786-4402

MSW, ACSW

Founder of the Grief Center in Lakeville, Minnesota

(612) 867-4866

Roger P. Linden MSW, LICSW

(218) 741-5110

Hearts of Hope Camp {fka Camp Amanda} - 

Hearts of Hope Camp is a 2 day grief camp, offered throughout the year, that provides opportunities for children ages 6-18 to meet other children whose loved ones have died. Hearts of Hope is free to all campers. The camp is funded by the support members of the funeral service community.

http://www.childrensgriefconnection.com