For several months now we have been having Project Gabriel peer support group meetings once a month. And for several months it has been such a sweet time of being together with other women who know loss like I do.
Because it’s hard to know what a meeting like this will be like and because the words “support group” and “meeting” sound stiff and intimidating, I want to share some more details about what a Project Gabriel peer support group meeting is and what it isn’t. Here we go!
What It Isn’t
- A big room of women
- Out in the open — we are behind closed doors.
- Judgmental — this space is so safe and the women are so kind; there is no judging! Your feelings, your decisions, your story will not be judged. Feel free to safely share.
- Forceful — you’re welcome to talk if you want, or just sit and listen if you want.
- For women with big losses — often women will tell me that they feel their loss isn’t big enough to come to the meeting. I absolutely disagree with this! The loss of a baby, at ANY point — 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 32 weeks, or at months of age — is hard. There’s loss of a life, a child, dreams, and plans. Grieving takes place with all losses. Your loss is big and worth grieving and celebrating the life that was, no matter how big or little your baby was.
- A lecture — I don’t lecture. No one does. It’s just a safe place to share.
- A counseling session — I don’t have a background in counseling. I am just one mom who has lost a baby, wanting to connect with other moms who have lost a baby.
- Shared with other people — This group stays private. You are welcome to share with others that you are coming, but I never will without your permission.
What It Is
- For women who have lost a baby — through miscarriage or infant loss [including miscarriage at ANY point!]
- A small group of women
- A sweet time together
- A chance to share your story
- A place to listen to others’ stories
- Somewhere to nod your head in agreement because you have had the same thought that someone else just shared
- A space where it’s ok to say “if I see one more baby announcement, I just may cry.”
- Somewhere where you can just be quiet
- Somewhere where you can talk the entire time if you want
A private room with closed doors - Drinks and cookies for all 🙂
Do you have more questions about what it might be like? Contact me at laurengmorgan@gmail.com I would love to talk with you!
“I see beauty: in the faces of those I come in contact with each day;
in the thunder and lightning of a rain
storm; in the moon shining across the ocean at nighttime; in the fragrance of
homemade bread; in the faces of those greeting a loved one at the airport;
in Gordy’s face when he is happily surprised”
Sue, I love those things, too! Especially the airport greeting. That is one of my favorite things to see, and something I watch every time I go to the airport.
Lindsey said:
“I think it’s beautiful when a family is not just a husband and a wife and then the kid(s)….when the family is a team. Where one is weaker the other stronger, when responsibilities ebb and flow and change as they need to and it makes us better not worse for the wear. Basically when a marriage is as God intended. That’s pretty beautiful”
Love this, Lindsey, thanks so much for sharing!
Madeline said:
“I totally get it. Sometimes it’s hard. But with God on my side, I find I can face anything and even find the beauty in it.”
Thanks, Madeline! You are so right — we can find beauty in anything with God on our side. He is beautiful.
Thanks so much for sharing guys!