A walking bereavement group convenes weekly in Northampton, Massachusetts, offering a structured environment for individuals experiencing grief. The group meets outdoors across all seasons. Attendees primarily consist of individuals who have lost a spouse, with others having experienced the death of a sibling, parent, or child.
Maureen Cahillane, 91, a participant, stated that the group provides support following the death of her husband, James, more than two years prior. She noted the benefit of interaction with others experiencing similar circumstances.
The activity is characterized as a stroll, with a pace designed to facilitate conversation among members. Shelly Bathe Lenn, a bereavement counselor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, leads the group. Ms. Lenn observed that participants engage in frequent dialogue without specific prompting during the walks.
Conversations within the group address various subjects, ranging from general topics, such as local sports or personal recollections of food, to discussions concerning the final experiences of deceased loved ones. Participants have reported sharing personal experiences that they might otherwise not discuss.
Jill Mendez, whose partner died approximately four years ago, described her experience of grief as a 'yearning.' Maureen Cahillane commented that grief persists, a statement with which Mendez concurred, noting it 'becomes part of your anatomy.'
Helena Donovan, whose husband died over two years ago, reported that physical movement through walking contributed to an improvement in mood and reduced periods of inactivity. Elaine Beaudoin indicated that the side-by-side arrangement of walkers facilitates discussion compared to face-to-face interactions.
Group discussions also involve the long-term process of grief and navigating life after significant loss. Roger Brown described personal moments, such as waking to an empty space, relating to the absence of his wife, Jeanne.
A participant identified as Diana stated that the outdoor setting provides a distraction from personal pain. She characterized the group as 'therapy,' while also acknowledging the difficulty of participating without her late husband, Philip, who was formerly her walking companion. The group functions as a mutual support network, fostering communication and shared understanding among individuals processing grief.