From One Widow to Another: How Pathways Cultivates Relationships Through Grief

Pathways Program Manager Tammie Ottenad (left) with Alma Egan (right) receiving her Bereavement Volunteer of the Year reward at our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

The loss of a loved one can leave you crushed, depleted, and hopeless. It’s a feeling none of us can escape, as we all know with time, we will eventually lose grandparents and parents. But nothing prepares you for the unexpected, the loss of your life partner. When we marry, we vow “til death do us part”, but so often we do not think about those words becoming reality, and when they do, who can we turn to?

That was the question once asked by Alma Egan, a member of one of our Widows Support groups. When Alma first joined the group meetings after the death of her husband, she was distraught, as so many others would be. The thought of continuing life without her soulmate was inconceivable at the time. There was no path forward, just memories of what once was. Her heart was heavy and in need of support. She looked to Pathways in her time of need, and we provided the space for her to not only grieve her loss, but to lean on a community of others that shared in her pain. The intention of our Widows Support groups is to uplift those dealing with loss by showing that they’re not alone. We can all heal through shared experiences. Alma continued to attend, and with every meeting, she got one step closer to actualizing life after death.

One of the ways we encourage our members to help themselves is by helping others. As they say, “When you put good into the world, something good comes back to you.” For Alma, that meant becoming a Volunteer here at Pathways. Alma used her experience as a member of our Widows Support group to become a facilitator for future groups. Where she was once the one seeking help, she has become the help being sought after. She was even recognized recently as our Bereavement Volunteer of the Year during Volunteer Appreciation Month in April. Part of our “Circle of Care” had come full circle.

Stories like Alma’s hold a special place in our hearts here at Pathways. It illustrates the impact that Pathways’ programs can have on someone’s life, and in turn, how that compassion can be paid forward to others. As a 501(c) 3 community-based nonprofit, our mission is to always provide compassionate care to those dealing with illness and loss. There is no fee for our services, no billing issues. Our aim is to be your trusted friend through life’s toughest moments, whether that involves a caregiving companion, hospice respite, or grief support, Pathways has a program for you.

For more information on Pathways programs and services or to become a volunteer or donor, please call 562-531-3031 or visit us at www.pathwayshospice.org