A place to share

PICTOU - Nearly four months after it began, a support group formed to help individuals tackle grief has come into its own.
Dawn Eckert, who helped develop Healing Hearts, said the group's open-door approach has made the difference. It has attracted people ranging in age from 20 to 80 and includes men and women.
Eckert knows there is room for Healing Hearts to grow here in Pictou County. But more importantly she believes there are those out in the community who've lost a loved one and don't have someone to turn to who understands their pain - or that they don't have a place to go to express it.
If the saying goes that death is a natural part of life, she adds "It's a natural part of life that a lot of people can't cope with - or they have a very, very hard time coping with it. And we're there to help."
"This is a place for us to cry, but also you'll find yourself laughing at times about certain little things that remind you of your husband or child. A lot of people don't understand that at first, but they get into it."
It's been a difficult month, Eckert acknowledges. On Jan. 8 she marked the first anniversary of her son's death. Nathaniel, 20, was murdered in Point Duchene, New Brunswick.
Eckert found support in grief counselling after returning to British Columbia but was eventually convinced by family members to return to Pictou.
"Getting through that first year is very difficult," she said. "You have to go through Mother's day, their birthday, Father's Day for some people, thanksgiving, Christmas. I've prepared myself before each anniversary - even the first month, second month - I counted right up to the 12th month."
She says she's forgiven the individual who murdered her son and has instead, with Healing Hearts, has focused on helping people through their own difficult journeys.
"Anger and fighting for laws - I don't want to put my energy there. I want to put that into helping other people. My son was a very giving individual, I do this in honour of him."
The group meets at the Oddfellows community room in Pictou from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays and is facilitated by Christine Selig.
Selig said she wasn't looking to step into that role initially, but says she's grateful for the opportunity.
"As a facilitator, I am truly honoured to be a part of this group and to witness the sharing and compassion of the group. They are special individuals with a common goal which makes it a unique and touching experience," she said.
"I have learned that there is always more to learn and we should remain open to opportunities when they present themselves, even if one feels outside of their comfort zone."
For more information, Eckert may be reached at 485-1127.