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Post by heidi on Apr 10, 2006 19:20:54 GMT -5
I'd be more interested in a reunion-type atmosphere. I'm not one for structured retreats. I guess I'm in the minority on this, though?
Heidi
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Post by Clara Hinton on Apr 11, 2006 11:12:15 GMT -5
Dear SG Family, Thanks for continuing to keep the ideas flowing.........I'm getting a much better feel for how I see all of this coming together. Please continue to voice your wants and needs. There is no right or wrong answer. I just need to hear from you so that I can put together a plan that will best suit everyone's needs. Love, Clara
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Post by threebythree on Apr 11, 2006 11:43:14 GMT -5
You know what I would LOVE??? I would love to host an SG family and show them around my town!
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Post by nancyk on Apr 11, 2006 13:19:15 GMT -5
Oh Kelly,
That sounds neat also! I would love the retreat but to actually host a family and show them around your town sounds cool!
God Bless,
Nancy
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Post by emttori on Apr 11, 2006 13:56:09 GMT -5
Okay, I'm running out of computer time here so couldn't finish reading everyone's responses, so I hope I am not repeating. I see the issues with both sides of the fence regarding families/children. If I were presented with this topic in 2004, I would not have been comfortable with everyone elses children. Now, I would be so that leaves us in a bind. Here is my suggestion. I think the retreat would be perfect. If it is scheduled over a span of a few days, there could be a day that is designated just for members, with no other family/children. If we can come with our spouses, or a mom, or a sitter in tow, that would allow us to have our families with us, but also give us the time to go to the sessions, and speakers with just ourselves. Then one day could be designated family day, where those who are further in their grief and have had children after loss can meet up and meet each others families and children. This would allow for the many different stages of grief and new normals. I think that if we continue with the suggestions we would be able to come up with something that is suitable for everyone. I also think you would need to have a few different retreats for those that won't be able to travel too too far. The area you are talking about is close enough for me to drive, but I know friends that wouldnt' be able to make it. I really hope for everyone that wants to go, that this will work out for everyone. I'd love to meet so many people. My life has turned into seeing past the bad things and looking at the blessings, and there are so many here.
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Post by m i s s y on Apr 11, 2006 14:19:15 GMT -5
I vote for a reunion of sorts... maybe a formal get together on day one and the rest of the time informal. Perhaps make a "light" agenda that can be followed if chosen. I also would like to be able to bring my children. Just my 2-cents
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Post by bulldogbrittany on Apr 11, 2006 16:27:57 GMT -5
I would love to attend! But that would mean bringing Cooper and DH with me. We can travel anywhere Southwest Airlines flies.....
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knm
Full Member
Nathan H. Malone
Posts: 172
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Post by knm on Apr 11, 2006 20:24:46 GMT -5
I would love to attend a retreat and meet all my SG sisters. I agree with the event spanning over a few days and having some time/speakers for just sisters and then some time/events for families... I think that way we have the best of both worlds and we'll all feel comfortable meeting each other... I love to travel (by car...I'm a sissy I don't fly) so anywhere on the east coast is great for me, but we can drive any where ;D I really hope this comes together because I would love to meet so many of you!
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Post by rachelandtyke on Apr 11, 2006 20:34:33 GMT -5
We're interested! PA we could do . . .
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Post by threebythree on Apr 11, 2006 20:58:22 GMT -5
Hmmmm~ one thing I was thinking is how costly an actually retreat with seminars and such would be. If that's the case...we wouldn't be able to make it ~ but if it were just a good ol' fashioned get together (which would be a ton less expensive!) I would really enjoy that! Just a few more of my cents thrown in!
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Post by mandee on Apr 12, 2006 19:54:51 GMT -5
I've been holding off posting on this thread. I think it's a great idea - to have both either a retreat or a reunion. I have met several girls from SG - and it's always been a blessing to meet people IRL that I have become so close to. I do know this...I think it should be planned for sometime *next* year IMO. For the most part, people already have their vacation plans for this year. Not to mention, I wouldn't be able to come this year!
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Post by jillgibson on Apr 12, 2006 20:36:11 GMT -5
For me and my family an informal reunion type event sounds best. I'm not a sissy when it comes to traveling, but I am when it comes to leaving my kiddos behind. I think a family picnic atmosphere with opening remarks/prayers from Clara would be nice. Hopefully, we could have volunteers to plan small events for kids (sack races, face painting, ect) scheduled in time slots. Others could plan some getting to know you type things for adults. Then maybe if we had a block of rooms we could meet for breakfast the following day.
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becca
Full Member
Posts: 471
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Post by becca on Apr 12, 2006 21:04:57 GMT -5
Clara .... Is there any way that both could be offered ... a retreat setting that would be friendly and sensitive to those with no living children (or those who are simply not comfortable around young children at the time) and a setting where families can all meet together? I have planned many many events, but I just can't wrap my mind around how we could guard the hearts of those whose grief simply doesn't allow them to be around children while also having children in attendance. I had intentions to attend (with my family) an event that "supposedly" was accommodating both. I didn't get to attend due to pg, but I was told by others that by the time the sessions were completed and the ladies had some time with each other (without families), there simply wasn't any time left for family activities ... except the ones that were designed for the dads/grandmas and kids while the ladies were in sessions. Also, I was told that because the children were there, ladies with living children simply weren't able to focus on fellowshipping with those who had no living children at the time. In effect, the event became two cliques .... the WITH children and the WITHOUT children groups. So sad. I sure don't know the answer, but I am praying for something creative to come to my mind ... or someone else's mind.
Becca
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Post by heidiforever on Apr 12, 2006 21:20:22 GMT -5
Clara, first of all let me just say that wherever it is, I will come to you. You have been such an inspiration to me, if I had 6-12 months so I could plan ahead, I would make it happen! I think the idea of a retreat, with keynote speakers is fabulous, also, maybe some testimonials from our members. I think that we are more than just women who have had to deal with this. We are men, women, parents, couples, families, grandparents, etc. Perhaps we could have a few hours, a meal and activity with all the families we would want with us, and even have little classes for kids. We could break up into our actual forums, or have just a few choices. I think upon arrival you should give everyone a box of tissues though!
Also, I am a planner by nature, so if you need any help planning, I'm your man...er, woman! I think even an annual event like this could be great, and very beneficial. And with an annual event, people can plan it enough in advance they can start saving up to attend. I bet all of us have support systems that would even help us out, sponser us, so that we could attend. Clara, this is fabulous! Everyone's had great input so far, also!
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Post by mandee on Apr 12, 2006 21:43:24 GMT -5
No matter what we do there are going to be hurt feelings. If we don't let people bring children, a lot of people are going to be upset. And if children = babies, then there are a LOT of people who wouldn't come. I know next summer I am (God willing) going to have a 9 or 10 month old baby...would I not be able to bring him or her? If I couldn't bring my 10 month old baby, then I just wouldn't be able to come and that's not fair. I'm not just saying this for myself, but for all the pregnant women here. And, what about pregnant women?!? I know personally, it had always hurt a lot more to see pregnant women rather than children when I was deep in grief - so would we "ban" pregnant women as well? THAT is what has brought us all together. Our pregnancies, past and present, and ALL of our children - living, and those with the Lord.
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