GriefShare provides support and healing
ALLENSVILLE — Zachary Knepp believes grief is a journey that shouldn’t be traveled alone.
The Belleville man understands that those who are grief-stricken might feel like no one understands them and be tempted to isolate, but as he said, “There’s no magic wand you wave to take the grief away instantly. It takes a long time and a lot of work.”
Knepp certainly has endured the loss of several close family members in recent years as his mother, sister and brother have all passed away. Additionally, his wife, Kristyn, also suffered a personal tragedy with a pregnancy.
“I’ve had a lot of trauma and deaths in my family, and my wife had a miscarriage last year,” Knepp explained. “These things were terrible to go through. But if I can take a negative and turn it into a positive and help other people get through it; it’s a win.”
He discovered GriefShare, a grief recovery support group where those in need can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.
Knepp has joined Rev. Bob and Ethel Zook, of Allensville Mennonite Church, as a facilitator of a program that the church will hold from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays through April 6. The church is located at 1156 Route 655, Belleville.
Knepp said the session will provide encouragement, support and valuable tools to those who are grieving to help them navigate their lives. Registration is not required but is available at www.griefshare.org.
Although the first session was held on Sunday, Jan. 12, newcomers are still welcome. GriefShare officials recommend attending at least three sessions.
“It’s my first time being a facilitator, but our pastor and his wife have taught it before,” Knepp said. “And they’ve had great success with it.”
Despite being a facilitator for the first time, Knepp isn’t nervous about sharing his story. The session includes a 30-minute video with insights from grief recovery experts and people who share their personal stories as well as a workshop.
There are also icebreakers to help those attending the session feel more at ease. You can then spend time sharing with people who get what you’re going through (there’s no pressure to talk!).
Attendees will also take home a guide with helpful exercises for personal healing.
“It’s a good program, I went through it myself at home just to get used to it,” Knepp explained. “It helps you understand things a little more and deal with things a little better.
“It doesn’t cure everything,” he added. “It’s just a tool to help, and make it a little easier.”
Healing from a loss is a journey. Knepp agrees with the experts that everyone experiences grief differently.
Some people feel anger or are full of regret? Others might get depressed and wonder how to heal? Still others might walk around in a mental fog? All this is normal.
And while the grief journey is unique, many grieving individuals face similar struggles, GriefShare experts agree. And others who’ve gone before you can help.
Knepp said it’s also important to remember that getting over one’s grief cannot be rushed.
People might wish they could bypass the difficult emotions or push down the pain. Or maybe they feel pressure from others to get up and move on. But healing from grief and loss requires individuals to go through a grieving process. The GriefShare support program offers resources that can help find relief and stability.
For more information, including registration or directions, call Knepp at (717) 437-6821.