July Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July holiday.  An important one, remembering our freedom and those that fought and do fight so hard for us to keep the United States a free nation.

Wasn’t Lesa’s story incredible?  I heard from so many of you expressing your feelings and tears towards her experience.  It is amazing how God walks us through our journey of grief.  Chaplian Father Dave once told me that sometimes “God lets us hear when we are ready and can heal from what we hear.”  Lesa’s experience is certainly one of those times.

I know many of you have had experiences which might be healing to others.  I hope someday you also will share.  It might be your words or experience that can touch someone and help them through their journey.

Elections
Welcome your 2009 Board for the FSG.  Carole Carreon was re-elected to President, Marijo Johnson (me) was re-elected to Vice President and Donna Harden was re-elected to Treasurer.  The position of Secretary has not been filled.

A Letter from Retired Chaplain Steve Hillman
Dear Carole, Marijo, Donna & the FSG – Thank you so much for being a part of the Retirement B-B-Q.  It was great to have all of you there.  It was fantastic to be with so many friends at one time and to enjoy each others company. As all of you know, each of you and the FSG hold a special place in our hearts.  You ladies have always given Rose & I such inspiration and tremendous support.  I was blown away, Donna, by the letter to Al at the Memorial Foundation detailing the FSG’s generous donation.  Together we make a huge difference.  I really look forward to the different events of the FSG- in this particular year-as I move into the next phase of my life.  Each of you need to know that Rose and I are always willing to help and are looking forward to being with you.  I am truly blessed to have people in my life who care for others and help lift my spirit by helping so many….May God bless all of you and may he bless our work together….Many hugs to each of you.  Love You Guys, Steve

LA Port Police Boat Tour – August 14th
The Los Angeles Port Police have once again offered to take us on a boat tour of the LA Harbor.  Some of us are going to lunch afterwards and hope you will join us.  We will meet about 10:30 am, we will board at 11:00; Berth 84; 6th St. in San Pedro for a 1 ½ hour tour of the LA Harbor.  Ladies, we had so much fun, last year and this is an experience that you may not have again so come out and have some fun, enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and lunch.  We need a minimum of 10 members to participate for this event to happen.  The more the merrier.  Please call Carole to RSVP or email me no later than July 30th.  (You are welcome to bring children 12 years and older)

Celebrity Golf Tournament – August 1st
It’s time again for the Celebrity Golf Tournament.  This year it will be held at the Trump Golf
Course in Palos Verdes.   Tickets are $5 and children 12 and younger are free.  To purchase tickets you may call (213) 847-4239.  Unfortunately, the Memorial Foundation is handling this event differently than in the past so you will have to purchase tickets to attend.  Tickets are only for the event and not the VIP area.  You may check out the celebrities and events by accessing the Memorial website at www.lapmf.org



I know that sometimes we don’t want to think about this, but in speaking with Carole this morning I realized that I’ve not been motivated and just not myself the past few weeks.  Well, it dawned on the both of us that I’ve just gone through the anniversary of Ray’s passing.  You know, we like to think we are ok but the remnants of the loss remain and can still affect us when we are not expecting it.  So as a reminder to you and to myself:

Coping with grief and loss: Get support
The single most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of other people. Even if you aren’t comfortable talking about your feelings under normal circumstances, it’s important to express them when you’re grieving. Sharing your loss makes the burden of grief easier to carry. Wherever the support comes from, accept it and do not grieve alone. Connecting to others will help you heal.

Finding support after a loss
Turn to friends and family members.
Draw comfort from your faith
Join a support group
Talk to a therapist or grief counselor
Plan ahead for grief “triggers”. Anniversaries, holidays, and milestones can reawaken memories
 and feelings. Be prepared for an emotional wallop, and know that it’s completely normal. If you’re
 sharing a holiday or lifecycle event with other relatives, talk to them ahead of time about
their expectations and agree on strategies to honor the person you loved.

When grief doesn’t go away
It’s normal to feel sad, numb, or angry following a loss. But as time passes, these emotions should become less intense as you accept the loss and start to move forward. If you aren’t feeling better over time, or your grief is getting worse, it may be a sign that your grief has developed into a more serious problem, such as complicated grief or major depression.

Love & Peace,  Marijo