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Family grief discussed at Rotary Club meeting
Jill Derickson gives her presentation about family grief during the Rotary Club of Saipan meeting last Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
(FAHIM UDDIN)
In recognition of the Bereaved Parents Awareness Month this July, Derickson gave an orientation to explain the effects and the ways the community can support people who have lost their loved ones.
She made an example of family grief by providing her own experience. She said her 29-year-old sister, Debbie, was murdered in Santa Clara, California back in 1979.
After the incident, she received grief support training for a period of time. From her training, she learned that most people have gone through grief somehow.
Derickson said common feelings when facing grief are sadness, anger, guilt, depression, tears, and anxiety.
“[One] may have difficulty in making decisions, inability to concentrate, disinterest [in] job-related details, frustration and irritability, depression and mood swings, and marital and family problems,” she said.
Through experience, she witnessed a research project proving that a loss of productivity and rise in accident rates occurs when suffering from emotional stress.
Derickson goes on to say that as a member of our community, we should show support by providing either sympathy or empathy.
“I say ‘make a difference’ because you cannot fix it of course. You can’t bring the deceased person back… a hug, a touch, a simple ‘I’m so sorry’ offers real comfort and support.”
To commemorate the Bereaved Parents Month, We Remember Them, CNMI will hold the annual “Walk to Remember” on July 26, 5:30pm starting from Minachom Atdao Pavilion to the Atkins Kroll intersection. The Saipan community is invited to show support to the grieved families. Participants are advised to wear black for grief and white for hope. Also, they encourage people to bring finger foods to share.
