Submitted
The Center for Life Experience (CFLE), a grief support organization, has closed its office in Hays. But it is still offering grief support services. Its grief support group is continuing to meet, just in a new location, and the group’s annual tree dedication remembering children is coming up Nov. 23.
Two of CFLE’s grief support groups have combined. That combined group will begin meeting at its new location, the Hays Senior Center, 2450 E. Eighth St., beginning on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It will continue to meet there the third Thursday of every month.
The group welcomes any adult who has lost a child of any age, including miscarriages and stillbirths. While many members are parents, the group also welcomes grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, etc.
The group also welcomes any adult who has lost another adult in their life, such as a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, etc.
Kate McGonigal, Ph.D., who teaches in the Sociology Department at Fort Hays State University, is continuing as the facilitator for this group. Among the classes that McGonigal teaches at FHSU is Death & Dying.
Another traditional event coming up is the “Healing Hearts Memorial Tree Dedication,” which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Hays Public Library.
At this event, grief support group members place ornaments on a special Christmas tree remembering children they have lost. Each child’s name is read aloud as the ornaments are placed on the tree.
The public is welcome to attend this event. Individuals may simply watch, or they may bring their own special ornaments to remember a child they have lost. The group will provide a free ornament to anyone who wants one.