Grief Support
 A.J. Desmond and Sons continues to care.
The service may be over. The acknowledgement cards might be sent. Isn't life supposed to be getting into a new routine? But the grief is painful and ever present, and the routine feels empty.
A nationally recognized leader and pioneer in grief support, A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors provides the most comprehensive after care program in the area. Our services, PERSPECTIVES, provides multiple forms of support and information. Coordinated by Mary Jamerino, LMSW, ACSW, an author and leader in bereavement counseling. Through PERSPECTIVES, Mary offers a variety of programs and services that are available as long as they are needed.
When death occurs, it is often accompanied by a period of adjustment for family and friends. This normal response is known as grieving. There is no "proper" way to grieve, but it is important. It is through the grieving process that healing is achieved. It often helps to share one's concerns and pain with those who understand. Eventually, there will be an adjustment to life without a loved one. There will be a "new normal." One in which memories will be cherished and life will continue on.
To help meet such needs for those we serve as well as those in our community, A.J. Desmond & Sons provides PERSPECTIVES at no charge. Designed to lend personal support and information, as well as to assist in emotional and educational interactions, we continue to care.
OBJECTIVES
- Offer emotional support for individuals and families experiencing loss
- Offer educational support for those experiencing loss
- Provide specific information on community resources and groups designed to help bereaved families
- Provide personal counseling for those needing assistance in time of loss
- Assist churches, hospitals, schools and other interested groups with educational programs on personal loss and grief management
FEATURES
- For families we serve, Mary Jamerino is available for personal discussion regarding the recent death as well as introducing the network of support systems within the community.
- During the year, a grief support program, Take Time to Heal, is offered. This program is designed to assist anyone in the community who is dealing with the death of a loved one. For the current schedule, see Community Events.
- For a variety of essays for the bereaved and caregivers, see GriefWords Library.
- Mary Jamerino is available for telephone consultation - providing a community contact for bereavement information. She can be reached at 248-362-2500. Other funeral home personnel are available any time at either location to answer questions on the subject matter.
- Speakers are available for any group on subjects related to funerals, bereavement and recovery.
- The funeral home is available to schools, churches, hospitals and community groups as a resource center for tours and information.
- An extensive lending library at the funeral home in Troy is available to anyone seeking information on the subjects of dying, death and bereavement.
- We have a presentation before the holidays each year. In 2011, "Coping with the Holiday," was held in early December. The webcast presentation can be viewed at http://app.eventbywire.com/viewevent/?id=859-336
ADDITIONAL GRIEF RESOURCES
- A list of helpful grief and bereavement books suggested by Mary Jamerino include (all are available at the funeral home library):
Healing Your Grieving Heart - 100 Practical Ideas by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief by Martha Whitmore Hickman
I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Shcwiebert and Chuck Deklyen
A Journey Through Grief by Alla Renee Bozwarth, Ph.D.
Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
When Men Grieve: Why Men Grieve Differently and How You Can Help by Elizabeth Levang, Ph.D.
Grief Steps: 10 Steps to Regroup, Rebuild and Revew After Any Loss by Brook Noel
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow
Good Grief by Granger E. Westburg
The Art of Being a Healing Presence by James E. Miller and Susan C. Cutshall
What Helped Me When My Loved One Died by Earl A. Grollman
- Anyone seeking information and books on the subjects of dying, death and bereavement may visit the extensive library at the funeral home in Troy or speak to Mary Jamerino, Bereavement Counselor. She can be reached at mjamerino@desmondfuneralhome.com or 248-362-2500.
- Mary Jamerino is great resource for information on other local support groups, particularly those with a more narrow focus. Contact her for more specific information and additional ideas at mjamerino@desmondfuneralhome.com or 248-362-2500.
- Additional grief and bereavement internet sources include:
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