WAHS addresses grief

By Brad Everett Times Contributor

Forty people turned out for Wheatland and Area Hospice Society’s (WAHS) annual general meeting and lecture on grief at Strathmore High School’s auditorium on Oct. 2.
An announcement was made that WAHS is in discussions with Wheatland Housing Management Body concerning a proposed partnership-building project which would see a three-bed hospice facility constructed, along with a new seniors’ lodge, ideally within two or three years.
“The hospice will be its own building but joining with the lodge will allow us to share costs and space,” said Dr. Joni McNeely, chair of WAHS.
In her director’s report McNeely acknowledged the hard work of the board.
“They accomplish a lot of work for such a small group of people,” said McNeely.
The board of directors welcomed a new member, Gerry Cool, who was elected at the meeting.
McNeely also recognized the significant contributions from community individuals and organizations that have helped not only with the proposed hospice facility, but also to build on various programs and services WAHS is implementing to assist area residents with end-of-life issues.
One of those programs is the Dying2Learn Wheatland speakers’ series, which presented its first lecture, Good Grief Charlie Brown, before the meeting.
Due to road conditions, the scheduled speaker from Calgary was unable to attend, but Dying2 Learn Wheatland’s manager, Joni Elliott, stepped in at the last minute to give the presentation.
“Loss is an inevitable part of life, but North American society doesn’t do a good job of preparing us for it,” said Elliott. “It’s the elephant in the room.”
In a wide-ranging and practical talk, Elliott noted that there is no one right way to grieve, there is no universal timetable for individuals to follow, and it isn’t something that can be cured or fixed.
“Grief doesn’t end, but it does change,” she said.
For more information on Wheatland and Area Hospice Society, visit the newly redesigned website, wheatlandhospice.ca.