TCF Rogue Valley Chapter ~ Reading Room

Meetings past

by Lonnie Hyatt, TCF, Medford, OR

Although this review speaks of meetings long past, the ideas shared are worth reading.

The March 4, 1996 meeting was Show and Tell. This was a special occasion for sharing some of our fondest memories, or getting to know one another's children on a more intimate level. Participants were invited to share their child's memory through a personal possession or photograph. Things shared ranged from our child's favorite or most personal possession to poems written for and by our children, photos and touching stories.

On March 18, 1996, Gayle Pelton led a discussion on The New Me, how am I different since the death of my child? There was a discussion on the differences in our decision making, our priorities, disorientation or loss of organization, and our heightened sense of compassion.

Common to many; our sense of timing being affected, feeling rattled and disorganized. Most agreed that we sense things from outsiders differently. Our expectations of others lessen as they avoid the direct matter of our pain. Generally it was agreed that these qualities had been heightened in ourselves as a result of our loss. Few, but some, even thought themselves to be riskier. Possibly doing things they might not have participated in before their loss. A sort of 'enjoy while you can' reflection of life.

We also gave our best wishes to Gayle who will be away from the area for one year. We presented her with a token gift and card. We shall miss her input to our newsletter and her selfless contribution to our chapter meetings. Good luck, Gayle. We'll look forward to your return next year!

April 1, 1996 (no fooling!) Karen Nollenberger was our guest speaker this evening. If Only...Dealing with Regret. Karen gave a wonderful presentation. Her easy and open manner was refreshing. She has the ability to zero in on the real and aching "leftovers" we're packing around and put much of it into perspective with love and humor. Karen shared some handouts with us and we did some group participation steps.

We look forward to Karen's return visit with us for our first annual Balloon Lift Off.

On April 15, Meditation was the topic for the evening with our guest speaker, Dr. Rod Birney. This was a unique experience. Dr. Birney offered an informative question and answer opening for us. He focused on Concentration Meditation. It was amazing the results that we got from a brief period of meditation. We learned that meditation is awareness and can be done by most anyone. If you suffer from sleeplessness or that state of overload most of us experience, this can definitely be an avenue for a calming few minutes of peace and relaxation.

Recommended reading material relating to this subject: The Gradual Awakening, by Steven Levine. Also The Blooming of a Lotus, by Dick LaHinde. Dr. Birney gave a great presentation. I hope we'll have an opportunity to have him revisit, it's a must!