August Dinner Out Notes

Sorry to have missed the dinner but  heard all about it from Sue.  Below are her notes about the dinner.   

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 5th at 7pm at Spring Grove Funeral Home, 11285 Princeton-Glendale Rd. (our normal place). Hope to see you there!  Karen

From Sue Schindler:    As Karen and Mike enjoyed the beaches of North Carolina, 12 TCF members braved the rising temperatures as we met at Back Porch Saloon. Our group included a sibling who attended the group for the first time. We also welcomed another new member who lost her child in a car accident. With continual conversations, it seemed as if both were long standing members of TCF. We hope that they lso will attend our next Tuesday meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 5th from 7-8:30 PM. We are here to support each other.

Along with light conversations, members shared the hurtful or thoughtless actions and conversations that happen after a child has died. One member shared how company members shut their office doors as he returned to work after his child's death. Another parent shared about a trying court situation. After the ruling, people asked if the parent was "happy" with the verdict. No verdict ever replaces our child. A third parent shared that her supervisor and co-workers called her into a meeting to tell her that she was not grieving "correctly."

Even with many challenges and obstacles, we are survivors and our children remain a strong part of our day and life. Tattoos were shared along with many joyous stories of our children and families. The start of the new school year was also a strong topic of discussion. Other stories included the kindness of others. One parent talked about friends and co-workers paying for funeral expenses and a permanent memorial to her child.

TCF welcomes returning members, new members and family members. Our growth has withstood COVID and remains strong. We are here for each other. Monthly meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month at the Spring Grove Center in TriCounty. Dinners are on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Karen and Mike, you were missed! Continue enjoying your vacation! In the meantime, we look forward to getting together on Tuesday, September 5th!

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Schindler

Thanks to Annie for reserving the Back Porch Saloon.