When Words Fail: Navigating Hurtful Comments in the Wake of a Devastating Loss
Facilitator: Margo Fowkes
Description: After the death of one of our essential people, we are left vulnerable and defenseless when it comes to what others say to us. The hurtful questions about how our loved one died. The unwelcome advice about to get over our grief more quickly. Even well-worn platitudes, offered without context or understanding, can wound. But despite our fragile state, we can find ways to deflect these comments, or avoid them altogether, and protect ourselves from the pain they inflict.
Join Margo Fowkes for a conversation on how to prepare yourself for the often well-meaning, but no less painful questions and remarks friends, family members and coworkers make after a heartbreaking loss. Learn techniques to navigate situations you can’t avoid, protect yourself from those you can and let go of your hurt feelings in the aftermath.
When: January 28, 7 – 8 PM ET
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page.
Attendee Materials Needed: No Materials Needed
More about our Presenter:
Margo Fowkes (pronounced “Folks”) is the founder and president of OnTarget Consulting inc., a firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals act strategically, improve their performance and achieve their business goals.
Author of the award-winning Leading Through Loss: How to Navigate Grief at Work, Margo also coaches leaders on how to create a more compassionate culture by acknowledging and speaking openly about grief and loss in the workplace.
Following the death of her son Jimmy in 2014 after an eight-year battle with brain cancer, Margo launched Salt Water, an online community that provides a safe harbor for those who have lost someone dear to them – a child, parent, partner, sibling, close friend or pet. Inspired by Jimmy’s determination to live a rich, full life despite his circumstances, the blog posts and resources focus on healing and building a new life in the aftermath of a devastating loss.
Margo believes that grief needs to be acknowledged and witnessed before it can begin to heal.
Web:
https://www.
**Upon registration, you will be sent a confirmation email. To access the online workshop, it is important to use the Eventbrite reminder emails (one will be sent the day of the event) and log into your Eventbrite account to access the online workshop. Although we use the Zoom platform, Eventbrite emails will grant you access to the Zoom meeting. You will not be sent a Zoom link.**
For questions, contact Christin Alexander, Community Outreach Coordinator, at calexander@pinelawn.com or 631.249.6100 x120.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this program is not intended to act as a substitute for any legal and mental health advice concerning individual situations; neither Pinelawn Memorial Park or COPE, its Board of Directors, staff and personnel shall be responsible for any outcomes arising from any information or exercises provided in this program.
_________________________________________________________________________
COPE is a nonprofit grief and healing organization dedicated to helping parents and families living with the loss of a child. COPE offers community support – if you need support, please reach out: 516-832-2673 info@copefoundation.org. For more information, visit www.copefoundation.org
Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is a non-sectarian cemetery prided on creating and maintaining a tranquil and serene environment. With over 500 acres of land featuring flowing fountains, historic monuments, vibrant flowers, and impressive trees, the goal of Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is to surround everyone who visits us in beauty so that we may bring peace even in the most trying of times.
For more information and invitations to Pinelawn’s free, educational events visit www.pinelawn.com/events