My daughter Heidi and I and our foundation, Open to Hope, have been invited to be a part of a grief support group responding to the deadly Valentine’s Day killings at Parkland MSD High School, Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were killed, many others were wounded or injured and over 3000 students and teachers were traumatized, leaving the community in shock, despair and anger.
Mitch Carmody and Bob Resciniti, a long-time resident of the community, are organizing and sponsoring the event. Bob is no stranger to loss as his son, Bobby, was killed in an automobile accident when he was 21 years old.
Bob founded the Bobby Resciniti Healing Hearts Foundation in honor of his son “to help people in the healing process after suffering the loss of a child, sibling, any family member or friend.” The center, which has helped thousands of bereaved people to again find hope, is less than a mile from Parkland MSD School. We are honored to be part of this event, which will take place at the Marriott Heron Bay in Coral Springs, Florida, on Sunday, May 20.
For those who can’t make it and have suffered a recent loss below are a few thoughts on giving and receiving support in the very dark and early days of shock, loss and trauma.
Practice Grounding Activities
- Breathing
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Walking
- Talking
- Crying
- Screaming
- Laughing
- Expressing Gratitude
- Writing
- Texting
- Telephoning
- Listen to Music
- Instagram positive images
- Pray
Acknowledge and welcome all Emotions
- Anger
- Depression
- Disbelief
- Despair
- Fear
- Guilt
Reach Out
- Family
- Friends
- Pets
- School support groups
- Religious Communities
- The Bobby Resciniti Healing Hearts Foundation
- The Compassionate Friends
- Open to Hope Foundation
God Bless all of you who have suffered loss and remember if you have lost hope please lean on ours until you find your own.
Dr. Gloria Horsley
President and Founder of
