M.S.
I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I know this isn't a nice subject, but I am looking for a grief support group in the Fort Worth / Arlington area. I am finding plenty for hospice, cancer and things like that. What I am looking for is something closer to support for loss from violence. I live in southwest Fort Worth and work in Arlington, so anywhere in these areas would be great.
I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I know that Altamesa Church of Christ has a grief support.
I would also call some local churches to see what they have to offer.
Wedgwood Baptist offers Counciling
www.wedgwoodbc.org
I would call and tell them what you are looking for.
Good luck!
My sister and brother-in-law lost a child some years ago, under different circumstances. I called her and asked for her help in how to respond to your request. She told me when she was involved with one grief therapy group, it was evident that persons such as yourself, were in need of specialized counseling services. The information below is where she suggested you seek help.
Visit on the web:
www.pomc.com (Parents of Murdered Children) This is a national organization support group. They offer on-line support. I noticed when I visited the site, there is not a local chapter. You might want to look at the San Antonio or Houston links. Perhaps they could help in assisting you with a support group in this area.
Another site to visit - www.compassionatefriends.org. They have on-line support groups as well as meetings you can attend locally. NOTICE: There is a meeting coming up at Richland Hills Church of Christ, 6300 NE Loop 820, October 9, 2007 at 7:30PM room 217. (south side of the loop) www.geocities.com/tcfriendsfw/
You might want to visit www.goodgriefresources.com. This website is a wonderful resource of information. Some of the books recommended on this site that may help you - Beyond Tears: Living After Losing a Child, an anthology and
Love Never Dies: A Mother's Journey from Loss to Love, by Sandy Goodman.
Another suggestion: Stephen Ministries ecumenical counseling service. (www.stephenministries.org) This is a service provided by churches in the area. In addition to the valuable counseling they provide, you can call them anytime to just talk if you need. For instance, if you have an appointment with another counseling service, set for a particular day, and you need to talk to someone immediately (before that appointment), you can call Stephen Ministries and meet with someone.
You have found the strength to take this first step of asking for, and seeking help. God Bless you. Your journey through your grief will be a moment to moment, a hour to hour and a day to day process. Well intentioned persons may tell you "time will heal all". However, that is simply not true. Time, simply makes your grief take on a different impact. You have the right to take all the time you need to grieve the loss of your daughter. My personal belief is your daughter will always with you, in your heart and in all the wonderful memories of her. Hold firm to the faith you will be re-united with her some day. She will be waiting for you with open arms.
My heartfelt prayers for you and your family.
~T. D.
My children and I attend grief support at The WARM Place. My nephew died of an accidental drug overdose. The WARM Place is wonderful. It is located near the hospital district in Fort Worth. I am truly so sorry for your loss.