A bereavement walking group convenes weekly in Northampton, Massachusetts, providing a support mechanism for individuals experiencing grief. Participants primarily include those who have lost a spouse, with others mourning siblings, parents, or children.
The group, described as a stroll rather than an exercise session, proceeds at a pace conducive to conversation. Shelly Bathe Lenn, a bereavement counselor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, facilitates the group, which operates alongside other support initiatives such as art and book groups.
Participants engage in dialogue that varies in subject matter, from lighthearted topics to discussions concerning the circumstances of their loved ones' deaths. The social interaction is reported to facilitate shared experiences among members.
Maureen Cahillane, 91, and Jill Mendez, whose respective partners died over two and nearly four years prior, noted the enduring nature of grief. Helena Donovan stated that walking improved her mood and encouraged physical activity. Elaine Beaudoin observed that walking side-by-side promoted open communication more effectively than face-to-face interaction.
Discussions within the group often address the evolving nature of grief over time, including adjustments to daily life and the experience of solitude. Roger Brown shared an account of waking to an empty space where his wife, Jeanne, had been.
The group meets year-round, with some members reporting that the outdoor environment and changing seasons offer a form of distraction from their pain. Diana, whose husband Philip died nearly a year ago, described the group as therapeutic, despite the emotional challenge of participating without him. The collective activity and conversation are reported to foster a sense of understanding among participants.