The Joyful Again program is sponsoring several weekend retreats for the widowed.  This two-day event is for men and women of all ages who have lost a spouse through death.  It doesn’t matter how much time has passed since the spouse died; all widows and widowers are welcome regardless of the length of their grieving or how long they were married.

Joyful Again was created to help people deal with the grief, pain, and isolation accompanying the loss of a spouse.  The program provides a safe, nurturing community to facilitate the bereavement process as well as prepare people to look toward the future.  Participants will listen to presentations, have personal time to write in their journals, join in small group sharing sessions, etc.  All of the trained program leaders have also been widowed; thus, they have a true understanding from their own lives about the widowed experience.

The winter Retreat will be conducted March 17 and 18 at the Holy Family Medical Center, 100 N. River Road in Des Plaines (at the corner of Golf Road).

Widows and widowers of all ages are invited to participate in either of these fine programs.  The Saturday session starts at 8:45 a.m., and runs until 7:30 p.m.  The Sunday session is from 8:45 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.  The cost of each weekend retreat is $75 per person, which includes five meals and the program materials.  You must register in advance for the retreat.  If you would like to register or require additional information, please telephone Madge of Joyful Again at (708) 354-7211 or check out their website at www.joyfulagain.org to download a registration form.  The death of a beloved spouse is one of the most pivotal events of a person’s life.  Remember, though, you do NOT have to go through the experience by yourself.  There are others who truly understand your loss and want to help you.  If you are someone you know is widowed, please consider attending one of these retreats.