A weekly walking bereavement group operates in Northampton, Massachusetts, offering support to individuals navigating grief. The group's participants primarily include those who have experienced the death of a spouse, alongside individuals mourning the loss of a sibling, parent, or child.
Participants' Perspectives
Maureen Cahillane, 91, whose husband died over two years ago, reported that the group provides assistance in addressing feelings of isolation and shared sadness. Jill Mendez, whose partner died nearly four years ago, described grief as a "yearning" that "never goes away" and becomes an enduring part of one's experience. Helena Donovan, whose husband died more than two years ago, stated that physical activity from walking lifts her mood. Roger Brown shared that morning routines can trigger reminders of his wife's absence. Diana, a participant whose husband died nearly a year prior, reported that the outdoor setting and conversations serve as a distraction from pain, facilitating deeper discussions, and characterized the activity as therapy.
Group Structure and Facilitation
The group is led by Shelly Bathe Lenn, a bereavement counselor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Lenn describes the activity as a conversational stroll rather than an exercise session, with participants engaging in dialogue without direct prompting. Elaine Beaudoin observed that the side-by-side walking format facilitates conversation more effectively than seated, face-to-face interactions. Discussions cover a range of topics, including daily observations and personal experiences related to loss. A common theme is the evolving nature of grief over time, with participants discussing adaptation to loss.
Operations
The group meets year-round, with participants noting that observing seasonal changes contributes to the experience.