Welcome to Notes of Kindness

 

Turning Sorrow Into Strength: A Safe Haven for Healing

I wanted to create a safe place where those navigating the often overwhelming paths of grief and loss could find comfort, understanding, kindness, and support.

Life’s challenges can feel insurmountable at times, but together, we can transform sorrow into strength. This space exists to offer a listening ear, shared experiences,  compassion, and resources to help you process your emotions, honor your journey, and rediscover your resilience. Here, you are never alone. Let this be a sanctuary where healing begins, and hope grows stronger with each step forward.

My Journey Through Grief

The start of my personal grief journey began when I lost my two sons. My oldest son Joey tragically took his own life and his younger brother, my Kyle overdosed on drugs a year later, It was a pain so profound and life-altering that I quickly realized the journey through grief cannot be done alone.

Grief is not a path we are meant to walk in isolation, and in those moments of overwhelming sadness and emptiness, I found strength in reaching out for support. Whether through Faith, family, friends, or professional counseling, sharing my emotions and leaning on others helped me take small steps forward.

Grief is not about “getting over it” but learning to live with the loss and finding ways to honor the memories of those we love. Each day brings challenges, but I remind myself that healing is a process, and it’s okay to seek help along the way.

 

What are the 3 C's of grief?

Choose

  • Embrace agency: Even when feeling overwhelmed, recognize that you have the dignity to make choices about your time, who you are with, and what activities you participate in. 
     
  • Prioritize self-care: Select activities and people that provide comfort and calm. 
     
  • Be intentional: Choose to engage with grief in a way that feels right for you, whether that's a quiet approach or seeking out specific support. 

Connect

  • Reach out: 
    Connect with safe and trusted individuals who can offer support, even if it's just quiet companionship. 
     
  • Find community: 
    Connect with others who are also working through their grief to feel less alone. 
     
  • Seek help: 
    If your thoughts are muddled by grief, lean on close family and friends for clarity and insight. 

Communicate

  • Express your needs: 
    Honestly communicate your feelings and what you need from others, whether that's space, presence, or just silence. 
     
  • Be honest: 
    Let others know when you're not up for something or when you just need to talk, creating deeper understanding and support. 
     
  • Share your experience: 
    Express your grief in a way that you learn to manage, allowing others to understand and support you. 

Grief and Loss Frequently Asked Questions

How can grief counseling help me cope with my loss?

For grief healing resources, you can find local and online support groups through directories like GriefShare and the National Alliance for Grieving Children. Other helpful resources include online forums like My Grief Care, books and videos from experts like David Kessler and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, as well as mental health resources from organizations like SAMHSA (.gov). For immediate, crisis-level support, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

Support Groups and Communities

For grief healing resources, you can find local and online support groups through directories like GriefShare and the National Alliance for Grieving Children. Other helpful resources include online forums like My Grief Care, books and videos from experts like David Kessler and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, as well as mental health resources from organizations like SAMHSA (.gov). For immediate, crisis-level support, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

  • GriefShare:A nationwide network of 13-week support programs offering guidance and support for people grieving the loss of a loved one. You can find a group near you on their website. 
  • National Alliance for Grieving Children:Provides a directory of programs and support groups for children experiencing grief and loss in the U.S.. 
  • The Compassionate Friends:Offers support for those grieving the loss of a child, with a chapter locator for finding help in the U.S. and internationally. 
  • My Grief Care:An online platform that compiles a wide range of resources, including organizations, websites, podcasts, books, apps, and support groups. 
  • Grief.com:An online forum with many active members where you can find support and information on various grief topics. 

Grief and Loss Support for Veterans and their Families

Veterans and their families can find grief and loss support through the VA Crisis Line (call 988, press 1; text 838255), VA Vet Centers for counseling, and organizations like Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) (800-959-TAPS) and Military OneSource. Services include confidential crisis support, grief counseling, support groups, and resources for survivors to cope with loss. 

 

For immediate crisis support:

       Veterans Crisis Line:Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat for confidential, 24/7 support. 

VA Resources for Grief and Loss:

  • VA Vet Centers:These community-based centers offer free counseling services for veterans and their families to help cope with grief. 
  • VA Bereavement Counseling:Provided to eligible family members of service members and veterans, this counseling helps process loss and manage the emotional stress associated with death. 
  • Military OneSource:This resource can help you find grief support organizations, provide information for children and families, and locate area resources. 

Resources for Children in need of Grief Support

Resources for children experiencing grief include national organizations like the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG), The Dougy Center, and Comfort Zone Camp, which offer support groups, camps, and educational materials. You can also find support through local schools, grief support programs, and books or online resources that provide activities and information for children and their families. 

National Organizations & Programs

Turning Sorrow Into Strength: A Journey of Growth

Turning sorrow into strength is a deeply personal journey, and it’s important to remember that it will look different for everyone.

There isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all answer to overcoming life’s challenges or finding resilience in difficult times. What works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s okay.

This site is designed to be a starting point—a place where you can find inspiration, guidance, and tools to begin or continue your journey toward healing and personal growth.

I hope it serves as a stepping stone to a healthier, more fulfilling path, empowering you to embrace your unique process and discover what strength looks like for you.

Sharing Kindness: Your Thoughts Matter

I truly look forward to your input, comments, shared experiences, and examples of kindness and helping one another when it is needed the most. Moments of support, understanding, and compassion have the power to transform lives, especially during challenging times.

Whether it's a story of lending a hand to a stranger, supporting a friend in need, or simply offering a kind word, your experiences can inspire others and remind us all of the profound impact small acts of kindness can have.

Feel free to share your thoughts—every perspective matters, and together, we can celebrate the beauty of helping one another.

Contact us

Reach out to us for support and guidance on your grief journey.

About us

Compassionate Support for Your Journey Through Loss

Experiencing loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to provide the support and understanding you need during this challenging time.

With compassion at the heart of everything we do, our goal is to help you navigate grief, honor your memories, and find moments of healing. Whether you're seeking guidance, a listening ear, or simply reassurance, we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. Your journey is unique, and you deserve care that is as individual as you are. Together, we can work toward peace and comfort, one moment at a time.