Lisa, Taylor, Veronica and Kristen have been facilitating groups together for many years.

What is one way you honor your grief?

I think I have come a long way in the area of honoring my grief. I grew up not talking about grief and actually see my mother still unable to really process hers. All that to say, I honor my grief by allowing myself to truly feel it and to sit with it and ask myself what I need in that moment. Maybe it’s to cry, maybe dance and/or sing. Maybe look at old photographs. Maybe tell stories and laugh. Whatever comes up for me in that moment, I try to be fully present with those feelings. I honor my grief by keeping the memory of my dad alive. I continue to ask questions and learn more about his life. I hold space for me and my family to share about dad. I honor my grief by talking openly about it with others. Losing friends and family members hasn’t been easy, but knowing I’m in a safe space where others understand my grief helps me process it and keep moving forward 

What is one activity that you and your loved one would enjoy doing together?

My grandfather and I used to listen to music in his truck and fall asleep together watching the cars go by on the front porch. My Aunt Donna and I would sit and talk for hours at times. My Aunt Sandee would take all my siblings and me to Kings Island every summer for our birthdays. My grandmother was my best buddy, we could sit and stare at each other and I loved it. Uncle Pepi and I used to love to people-watch in Central Park in NYC. We would also call each other when a good song came on the radio and sing together.  I’ve had a lot of losses over the years, but most recently a friend of mine died by cardiomyopathy and it was completely unexpected. Kelly and I were in each others weddings and were friends for 20 years. What I loved doing most with her is also what I miss the most and that’s just hanging out and laughing. We would find silly things to laugh about that only we thought were funny but her laugh stays with me wherever I go. We also loved taking cruises together. Exploring the world (anywhere warm) was so much fun to do together. Watching and attending Michigan Football games. 

What is a food you and your loved one would share together?

My dad loved peas on top of his mashed potatoes. I love it too. To this day it is the only way I will eat peas. We loved going to get sushi. When we lived in Orlando there was a place we’d go to every Tuesday that had a sushi happy hour. It’s a very dear memory. My Aunt Sandee made excellent cookies, red velvet cake, and chicken and noodles. I miss those so much! 

What is one word you would use to describe Brooke's Place?

Family, hopeful, love