|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: If I go to a meeting, will I have to talk? A:
Q: Do I need a reservation to attend a meeting? A: No. Just come whenever you feel you are ready. Some people attend soon after their child’s death, some wait for a while. Some come every month, others only occasionally.
Q: Is there a charge to attend? A: There is never any charge to attend a TCF meeting. TCF chapters rely on voluntary donations from our families, our friends, and the community.
Q: My spouse says that he/she won’t come with me. Can I come alone? A: Yes. We all grieve differently, and he/she may not be ready to take part just yet—or ever. Many people attend meetings without their spouses.
Q: Can I bring a friend with me? A: Of course, you can bring a friend. We ask that they, as well as all our members, respect each other’s privacy. It is important for us to be able to share freely within our group and to be sure that confidence will be respected.
Q: What happens at a meeting? A: We start by introducing ourselves and then share our thoughts and feelings in small groups. There are often small groups for men, for women, or for couples. Siblings have their own group. At some meetings we might have a panel of members who take questions, as in the month of November when we offer you “Help for the Holidays”. In December, our meeting is always on the second Sunday, when we observe National Children’s Memorial Day with a Candlelight Service of Remembrance.
Q: You meet in a church. Is TCF a religious organization? A:The Compassionate Friends has no affiliation with any religious organization, and is open to people of all faiths, and those of no faith. Chapter meetings are held in a facility which has been generously provided by the church.
Q: Religion doesn’t matter to me any more. Can the people at your meetings accept that? A: We think you will find that TCF members are very tolerant of any views. After the death of a child or sibling, many priorities and values change.
Q: Can I bring my surviving children to a meeting? A: We regret that we have no provisions for children under the age of 15. The discussions are often intense and extremely emotional, and would most likely be disturbing to young children. Please understand that the presence of young children can be extremely difficult for families who have lost children near the same age . Q: I am an adult and my brother/sister died. May I attend your meetings? A: We have an adult sibling group for bereaved siblings (high school age and older) that meets separately from the parents. All adult bereaved siblings are welcome in this group.
Q: My child was an adult and didn’t live at home. Can I still go to a meeting? A: Our meetings are open to all families who have experienced the death of a child of any age, from any cause. We in TCF believe that our children will always be remembered as just that—our children.
Q: My child died years ago, and I postponed my grief work. Now it is catching up with me and I’m having a hard time. Is it too late to come to TCF? A: We all grieve differently. Many parents don’t feel the need for a support group until years after the death of a child. It is all right to come whenever you are ready, whether it is soon after your child’s death, months later, or years later.
Q: My grandchild died. Would TCF help me? A: Many grandparents attend our meetings and find compassion and support that is not available elsewhere. You would be welcome.
Q: My child died under circumstances that some people find “unacceptable”. Will I still be welcome? A: Yes. All families who have experienced the death of a child, at any age, from any cause, are welcome. We are not here to judge you or your child. We want to help you through this difficult time.
|
