Katherine Allen and Lisa Evanylo have both experienced the heartache of losing a child and the journey of grief and healing that follows. A little over a year ago, the two women decided to openly share their pain and launch a support group for other bereaved parents. The monthly group, which is now meeting via Zoom, now has participation from not only Virginia’s New River Valley but even other parts of the country.

In our conversation, Katherine and Lisa both recall the events surrounding the deaths of their sons: Katherine’s son, Matt, by suicide; and Lisa’s son, Dylan, from a drug overdose. The two also offer tips on how to cope with grief and warn against what not to say to a parent who has lost a child.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Parent Bereavement Support Group meetings are the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
For more information, call Katherine (540-230-8154) or Lisa (540-257-3612)

Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP) Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/groups/grasphelp

Bereaved Parents of the USA – http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org

Compassionate Friends – http://www.compassionatefriends.org

Recommended Books:
It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand by Megan Devine (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/Its-That-Youre-Not-Understand/dp/1622039076/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2H3O66BL51JO&dchild=1&keywords=it%27s+okay+that+you%27re+not+okay&qid=1606594509&sprefix=It%27s+Okay+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-2

Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing after Loss by Pat Schwiebert (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/Tear-Soup-Recipe-Healing-After/dp/0961519762/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=tear+soup&qid=1606594578&sr=8-2

The Courage to Grieve: The Classic Guide To Creative Living, Recovery, And Growth Through Grief by Judy Tatelbaum (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Grieve-Classic-Creative-Recovery/dp/0060911859/ref=sr_1_1dchild=1&keywords=The+Courage+to+Grieve&qid=1606594646&sr=8-1

My Son . . . My Son . . .: A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide by Iris Bolton (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/My-Son-Guide-Healing-Suicide/dp/0961632607/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R9O4Y30TDF3S&dchild=1&keywords=my+son%2C+my+son+by+iris+bolton&qid=1606594732&sprefix=My+Son%2C+My+Son+b%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

Sponsor Information:
Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections
Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org

(540) 315-2130