The Coping Centre at 1740 Blair Rd. is a faith-based bereavement centre located in an attractive field stone cottage. Set in the lush gardens of banks leading down to the Grand River, it is one of Cambridge’s gems.
For me it was the haven I turned to after the death of my late husband Stuart in 2010. The Coping Centre offers a peaceful spot for support and understanding, knowing everyone grieves differently.
All the facilitators have previously lost a loved one, they receive extensive training by Dr. Alan Wolfelt of the world-renowned Bereavement and Grief Centre in Colorado.
Our group of eight widows met weekly in a comfortable, beautifully furnished and decorated room. We were nurtured, tea or coffee, our favorite hors d’oeuvre or dessert, served at the start of each session. Encouraged to be open and honest, baring the depth of our feelings, we were never pressured but allowed to share as we chose if, and when we felt comfortable. The trust level quickly grew within the group. We told stories both good and bad about our loved one, shared photos, love, tears and laughter. Despite our diverse difference, we became remarkably close over the months.
The philosophy of the Centre is “Honour the past, so you can live in the present, and dance into the future.”
We learned of the misconceptions of dealing with death. About the futility of the stiff upper lip, grin-and-bear-it attitude. We learned the tears, the sharing and talking about our loved ones were the fastest way to heal.
Cherished with compassion, caring, love and understanding by the owners Ros and Glen Creighton, staff Shirley Van Rooyen, and volunteers; we all felt listened to and cared about. Each week we had to report on one good treat we had given ourselves. No matter how small, a manicure, a bubble bath, new clothing or haircut, or starting a new hobby. It became a habit to nurture ourselves and learning to do things differently than in our previous relationship. One of mine became one trip a year traveling on my own. First a painting course in Italy; then a garden Tour to Keukenhof in the Netherlands; and the most ambitious of all, an” Extraordinary Explorations” trip run by the CAA to Morocco and the Sahara Desert.
It gave me confidence, taught me what I wished from life.
Anyone dealing with loss from children, teens to grandparents, no matter their age or status, all are welcome.
Run as a charity, operated by donations and annual fundraisers, there is no charge. A gem on our doorstep who I credit for helping me to heal , to move forward and to accept my loss so I could continue to enjoy my life. The Coping Centre is a wonderful healing facility.
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