6th Annual Thanksgiving Day Event Recap

Thanksgiving Day is one of those American calendar reminders during the year, a specific day set aside to express gratitude. Our 2014 Thanksgiving Day “family” took our opportunity to share the blessings in our lives for which we are most grateful. I am thankful for my “Thanksgiving Day 2014 family.”

I continue to be thankful for the support of our St. Joseph Hospice family each year as we put together this annual event. We will plan to continue this tradition next November 26 from 1pm-3pm in our building’s conference room (824 Elmwood Park Blvd. Room 140, NOLA) with our 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day event.

Upcoming Seminar on Monday, December 8: “Honoring the Memory of Your Loved One During the Holidays”

Do you find yourself dreading this holiday season? So many bereaved express concerns about this particular time of year and how they are going to “deal” with the changes of not having their loved one with them. This seminar will give you many ideas for ways to honor your loved one’s memory during this holiday season. You will also benefit from being in the midst of others who are dealing with many of the same questions and concerns.

When?—December 8 from 6pm-7pm

Where?--LCCU Conference Room (#140) Louisiana Central Credit Union Building at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd.

"You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban--Don't Give Up!!!

A visitor to this blog may wonder, "Why do I see so many entries related to suicide?" Well, that is a good point, considering this is primarily a blog spot for hospice bereaved. As I was pondering that question myself last week, I heard of the tragic suicide of the teenage son of a college classmate. At that moment, I knew exactly why there needs to be a good dose of encouragement on this blog for those who may be feeling hopeless.

I truly hope this post does not hit home for most who read it, but just by the number of people who are visiting this site, percentages would show there has to be at least one of you who is, at the least, feeling hopeless right now, and at the most, contemplating ending your life. Others of you may not struggle in this manner, and for that I am very thankful. However, we may each run across someone who needs encouragement to keep going forward.

Copyright © 2014 by Kim Smith

The “Why?” Which Follows Suicide

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2011, someone in this country died of suicide every 13.3 minutes. With each of those suicides, there were many loved ones left behind asking the question “Why?” A few years back, the music group Rascal Flatts used their platform to attempt to address this issue. As a result of the song and video, some lives have been saved and others encouraged. Please feel free to share with others, and note the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline information above. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help, so that you do not leave behind those you love to wonder “why?”

Rascal Flatts - Why - Every 40 Seconds Someone Asks ... Why?

“When Families Grieve” from Sesame Street

Sesame Street has provided a set of resources entitled “When Families Grieve,” which deals with military and non-military deaths and how these deaths affect families. Click on the “When Families Grieve” logo above to see the video and access the resources.

“Letter From Heaven” by Tim Shetler (Original Song) Video

Social Event for Thursday, November 20, 2014

On Thursday, November 20, 2014, St. Joseph Hospice will host our “Haven of Hope” social event for the adult children of our St. Joseph Hospice patients. You are invited to attend this bi-monthly event, designed specifically to create a connection between the adult children of our St. Joseph Hospice patients. This is a social group, and NOT a support group, although you should feel a sense of support as a result of the social interaction.

For each meeting, we will provide a light meal (i.e., finger sandwiches w/dessert and coffee/tea/water). No registration needed.

For more information, please call Kim at (504) 734-0140 or contact via e-mail at ksmith@sjosephhospice.com.

TIME: 6pm-7:30pm

LOCATION:

St. Joseph Hospice & Palliative Care

824 Elmwood Park Blvd. 
Room 140 [LCCU Conference Room]

New Orleans, LA 70123

Social Events on Wednesday, November 19, 2014

• “Heart2Heart Connections” for Widows – Wednesday, November 19, 2014, from 10am-11:30am at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd., NOLA, LCCU Conference Room #140
• “Coffee & Handshakes” for Widowers – Wednesday, November 19, 2014, from 10am-11:30am at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd., Ste 145, NOLA, St. Joseph Bereavement Office