Hospice of Sweetwater County

01/09/2026

"When we’re not grieving or facing another crisis, we often strive to balance our own needs with those of others, or even to put others first. So, for many people, feeling consumed by their grief—and allowing it to spread its tentacles and occupy space—can tip the scales in a way that feels self-absorbed or selfish.

But it's beyond logical that grief would cause us to turn inward for a while.

We turn inward to tend to the hurricane of thoughts and emotions thrashing within us. We turn inward because that is where we find the people we love who have died—when we close our eyes, when we dream, when we remember.

And none of this is selfish. In fact, some might even say it teaches us something about how to love."

Grief is not selfish. In a world that discourages mourning, connecting, remembering, and loving those who are gone is one of love’s most selfless forms.

01/08/2026

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01/07/2026

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It's never too early plan for the end and to ensure your preferences for medical treatment, comfort, and spiritual care are known and honoured.

12/25/2025

Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year—a season filled with lights, laughter, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. But for those who are grieving, Christmas can feel heavy, isolating, and deeply painful. While the world celebrates, grieving hearts are simply trying to survive.

Here are some things grieving people wish others understood during the Christmas season.

1. We Still Love Christmas—It Just Hurts Now

Grief doesn’t erase the love we once had for the holidays. It changes it. Decorations may feel overwhelming, carols may bring tears instead of joy, and traditions can highlight who is missing. We aren’t trying to be negative—we are learning how to exist in a season that no longer looks or feels the same.

2. Please Say Their Name

Avoiding the name of the person who died doesn’t protect us—it hurts. Saying their name acknowledges their existence, their impact, and our love. A simple, “I know this must be hard without ___” means more than you realize.

3. There Is No “Right Way” to Grieve

Some days we may laugh. Other days we may withdraw. We might attend one event and skip another. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule or social expectations. What looks like strength one day may be pure exhaustion the next.

4. Invitations Still Matter—even If We Decline

Being included reminds us we are remembered. Please keep inviting us, even if we say no. Sometimes just knowing we had the option makes the season feel less lonely.

5. “At Least…” Is Never Comforting

“At least they’re not suffering.” “At least you have other children.” “At least you had time with them.” These phrases minimize loss, even when well-intended. What helps most is a listening ear and a simple, “I’m so sorry. This is really hard.”

6. Grief Gets Louder During the Holidays

Empty chairs, unwrapped gifts, and missing traditions amplify loss. The joy around us can make our sorrow feel even heavier. Christmas doesn’t distract from grief—it often magnifies it.

7. We May Need Support Long After the Decorations Come Down

Grief doesn’t end on December 26th. In many ways, it deepens once the noise of the holidays fades. Continued check-ins after Christmas are deeply appreciated.

8. Small Acts of Kindness Mean Everything

A text message. A card. A meal. A candle lit in remembrance. These gestures may seem small to you, but to a grieving heart, they are lifelines.

9. We Are Not Trying to Ruin the Holiday

If we step away, cry unexpectedly, or seem quieter than usual, it’s not because we don’t care. It’s because love never stops—and neither does grief.

10. Your Presence Matters More Than Your Words

You don’t need to fix our pain. You can’t. Just be there. Sit with us. Hold space. Let us talk—or not talk—without pressure.

A Gentle Reminder

Grief is love that has nowhere to go. At Christmas, that love often feels overwhelming. Patience, compassion, and understanding go farther than perfect words ever could.

If you know someone who is grieving this Christmas, the greatest gift you can offer is grace.

Shared by Brett Murphy

12/23/2025

12/19/2025

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12/19/2025

These sweet amazing kiddos stopped by today to donate some of their Christmas money 🥰 Thank you for your generosity and for supporting high quality end-of-life care and bereavement support throughout our community.

12/19/2025

We received a very generous donation from the Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund! Thank you so much for continuing to support our organization as well as other local non-profits 🥰🥰