Program preserves 'sew many memories'

Making a keepsake out of a deceased loved one's clothing can be, for a grieving person, "a way to just kind of keep telling their story," said Kristi Beall, bereavement coordinator at Bridge Hospice. Bridge Hospice Bereavement Services, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, will be hosting a two-session, hands-on grief support program titled "Sew Many Memories." Parting with clothing that belonged to a late loved one can often be an emotional decision to make. This program, open to any adult or family who has recently experienced the death of a loved one, will offer participants the opportunity to turn their loved one's clothing into a heartfelt keepsake. No sewing experience is necessary, and volunteers will be on hand to help. Beall has found that during these programs, people share stories of their loved ones as they work. As they go through old clothing or blankets, "they're just actively remembering their loved one again," she said. The group allows them to connect with others who are also grieving. And sometimes people who had lost someone even a few years ago may find it's helpful to come and share stories with others, she said. As for the finished product, "it gives them comfort," Beall said. "It gives them warmth." The grieving person selects what items seem most meaningful to remind them of the person they lost. If the person who died was a sports fan, it might be a team shirt, or maybe it's an item of clothing that's a souvenir from a place they had visited together, Beall said. She said sometimes it may even have a little of the person's smell, giving extra comfort while cuddling the item on the couch. Bridge Hospice offers bereavement support for anyone in the community who is grieving, regardless of whether the person they lost was a hospice patient. "I think people feel like there's a right way to grieve," Beall said. But, as she educates people on grief, it may help them "validate what they're feeling," and let them know it's OK, whatever that might look like, she said. She encouraged people who are grieving to take care of themselves, including eating right and getting enough sleep. And she encouraged anyone needing support to seek it out. "You know yourself best," she said. The first session of "Sew Many Memories" will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Birchaven Village Hub, 15100 Birchaven Lane. The second session will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the same location. Participants must attend both sessions but can leave when their item is completed during the second session. The first session is for planning purposes. Attendees will examine sample projects and choose the item they will create, as well as what items best suit their creative needs. The second session will be designated for sewing. Preregistration is required by Sept. 22. To register or for more information, contact Bridge Bereavement Services at 419-423-5351 or email Beall at kbeall@bvhealthsystem.org Arthurs: 419-427-8494