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Murphy Grief comes in many forms, and the process to move through grieving is a personal journey without time limits. However, the road does not have to be traveled alone, and there are people who will walk next to you toward healing.
Rex Gruber of Martins Creek knows about grief. He has lost a wife of many years, and just 10 months ago lost his domestic partner of five years, Sharon Burdette.
Until recently, Gruber didn’t realize he was grieving. He did, however, see changes in his personality that were affecting his life in general. Gruber was angry – and those around him noticed it as well.
When a friend suggested he go to a session on grieving, he took their advice and started looking around. After searching for two days, he found a place in Blairsville, Ga.
Gruber wondered why there was nothing in Cherokee County and decided to change that. He went to Penland Senior Center in Murphy and spoke with Denise Cross, director of Cherokee County Senior Services, about starting a group there. She agreed that it was a good idea, while others Gruber spoke with also saw the need for something closer to home.
With Cross’ help, Gruber’s idea for a grief counseling group found a home at Penland Senior Center, 69 Alpine St. downtown. It will be called Four Seasons. The meetings will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays, March 6 through April 10.
The meetings will be held in a safe environment, with the intent of helping those who are grieving move through the process to healing with support and connections. Grieving doesn’t have to be done alone; help is available.
“If I can help one person through the grieving process with a grief counseling group, it would be a great thing,” Gruber said.
If there is enough interest in the grief counseling groups, they will continue. RSVP by Monday by email to AEntwistle@FourSeasonsCFL.org or call 828-692-6178. Penland Senior Center can be reached at 828-837-2467.