Not everybody is looking forward to the upcoming holiday season and Kathy Garwood wants to help those people.
Counselor Garwood, from Garwood and Associates, is offering a ‘Help for the Holiday? program to help individuals cope with recent losses during this holiday season.
‘This is the third year we have done this through the clinic but I had done it before through a funeral home in Waterford,? Garwood said. ‘Since I started the program it has been very well received.?
This year Garwood is welcoming guest speaker Mary Ann Stackpoole. The Port Huron resident was an elementary school teacher for several years, a hospital chaplain for 18 years and is presently employed in an oncologist’s office as their support care person.
‘Mary Ann has been recognized in her community for her grief work with children and adults,? Garwood said. ‘But with all of that aside, I’m sure Mary Ann would rather be known for her warmth, and caring she has for those who are grieving.?
Garwood is expecting around 125 individuals to attend the program. In years past the program has averaged 100 attendees, but the event was moved to the afternoon this year in hopes that more people could attend.
Garwood is doing this program because she realizes how tough the holidays can be on someone who lost a loved one.
‘Anything that reminds you of the person can be painful and the holidays can bring back a flood of memories,? Garwood said.
Garwood said everybody deals with the situation differently. Some like to avoid the experience and choose to get out of town during the holidays, while others enjoy carrying on the traditions.
‘The important thing to remember is you don’t have to do everything. Whether it be cards, decorating or baking, you don’t have to do it,? Garwood said. ‘Some feel it is really important to carry on the traditions while others could do without. There is no right way to do it. It is whatever is comfortable to you.?
Due to popular demand, the program which used to be done in December has been moved up to November since many struggle with the Thanksgiving holiday as well.
‘This is all about helping people get through a difficult period,? Garwood said.
The event is Sunday, November 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Daniel Catholic Church. The church is located at 7010 Valley Park in Clarkston. Reservations are not needed but strongly encouraged. To make a reservation or for further information call Garwood & Associates at (248) 625-3123.