The Respite

In the last few years, grief became a part of my daily existence. It started with our struggle with infertility and was compounded as I saw my friends and family struggle through some difficult circumstances - loss of a parent, a child, their jobs, their homes.

One of my dear co-workers and friends, Jennifer, dealt with a huge loss during that time period as well. Her precious younger sister Elizabeth Berrien lost her baby during childbirth and then, a few years later, lost her husband Brian while he was serving in Afghanistan.

Hearing about Elizabeth's loss and watching as Jennifer helped her pick up the pieces and start over was simply heartbreaking. How do you start over when you have lost so much?

As I have stated before, sometimes the muck and mire of our lives can create something beautiful - and Elizabeth did just that.

She created The Respite: A Centre for Grief & Hope in Charlotte.

The Respite is dedicated to providing programs and services to those suffering from loss in any form, whether it’s a significant loss due to the death of a loved one or loss of home or income, or a series of everyday losses that have impacted the ability to lead a healthy and productive life.

The Respite is a holistic healing center that offers support groups, individual counseling, retreats, workshops, and physical healing through massage and yoga. The Respite is not only targeted to individuals in the military, it’s for any type of loss/grief for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status. It is also not restricted to those who live in Charlotte!

I am so proud of Elizabeth and her ability to take her experience and turn it into a life-changing experience for others who need a safe place to grieve and heal. I would encourage anyone who is going through a difficult time to check out their website.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!