Lunch Bunch Lecture takes a look at Valentine's Day Blues

Delaware Hospice’s Family Support Center chose Valentine’s Day Blues as the topic of February’s Lunch Bunch Lecture on Feb. 1 at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, to help individuals examine their grief and find a meaningful way to remember a lost loved one on this romantic holiday.

The guest speaker was Chet Carbaugh, MDiv, bereavement counselor for Delaware Hospice, who clarified some important things to understand about grief. Grief is a normal response to a painful experience of loss, and it lasts longer than most people expect. Even though typical stages of grieving are defined, everyone’s grief is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. It’s also important to realize that grieving is not about forgetting about a loved one - it’s about forming a new kind of relationship with those who are no longer around.

Carbaugh also discussed the grief of divorce, separations and break-ups. It can be difficult to deal with the loss of love and the pain of that love being transferred to another. Carbaugh provided guests at the Lunch Bunch several tips for coping with grief, particularly on Valentine’s Day. He suggested, “Allow yourself time to heal, and be realistic.” He quoted John Donne, who said, “He who has no time to mourn has no time to mend.”

For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit www.delawarehospice.org.