Join AARP Texas and Kitchen Table Conversations for a three-part series of presentations about grief. The sessions are for individuals living with grief, as well as their loved ones.

• Thursday, March 11: What to Say and What Not to Say When Someone Is Grieving
• Thursday, March 18: Helping Yourself Heal: First Aid for Broken Hearts
• Thursday, March 25: Finding Meaning After Loss

Register for one, two, or all three webinars. All are welcome.

What to Say and What Not to Say When Someone is Grieving

Someone you care about has suffered a loss. As a supportive friend or family member you instinctively want to offer comfort but don’t know what to say. Then in a moment of emotional awkwardness and with the best of intentions you say:

• "He’s in a better place."
• "There is a reason for everything."
• "Aren’t you over him yet, he has been dead for a while now?"
• "You can have another child still."
• "She was such a good person God wanted her to be with him."
• "I know how you feel."
• "Be strong."

You meant no harm however, what you just said was not helpful or supportive.

So, what do you say and what do you not say when someone is grieving? Attend this 90 minute webinar and learn:

• 64 of the Worst Things You Can Say and How to Avoid Them.
• 64 of the Best Things You Can Say and the Best Ways to Say Them.
• Why Grief is a Journey NOT a Destination.
• How to “Companion” the Griever on Their Journey Through the Wilderness of Grief.
• Six Common Grief Emotions and How They Impact a Griever’s Daily Life.
• How to Deal with the Physical Symptoms of Grief.
• 6 Grief Myths and How They Can Prevent the Griever from Moving Forward.

This webinar will be facilitated by grief educator Garrick Colwell. After the death of his late wife Kinsloe, he completed over 200 hours of study with David Kessler and 200 hours of coursework with grief expert, author and Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transitions, Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Garrick holds the “Death and Grief Studies Certification” from the center.

Garrick is also a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist® and collaborates with Hospice Austin on developing innovative grief and bereavement support programs.