Compassionate Friends donates book collection to library

Members of a group that helps people deal with the loss of a loved one made a donation Tuesday to help others deal with that loss.

Gail Allen and Tami Pierce are longtime friends who have each lost a son.

Allen and Pierce are part of the NorthCentral Montana Compassionate Friends, a support group that provides personal comfort, hope and support to families experiencing the death of a loved one.

Mark Phillip Allen, Allen's son died Dec. 8, 2012, she said.  William Robert Nichol, Pierce's son, died Sept. 25, 2009, Pierce said.

"Our kids grew up together," Allen said.

Allen and Pierce stopped by Havre-Hill County Library Tuesday afternoon and donated 17 books about loss and grieving. Among them are titles such as Nicholas Wolterstorff's "Lament for a Son" and Catherine M. Sanders' "How to Survive the Loss of a Child."

Allen, who is the chapter leader, said that last December Compassionate Friends received a Lippert Clawiter grant, resources they used to buy educational materials for families who have lost a child.

Compassionate Friends, their pamphlet says, understands that each bereaved person travels a unique path through grief and therefore, reach out to each other with love, understanding and hope.

"We know that for some expressing thoughts and feelings are integral to the healing process, and we provide a safe, supportive environment for such expression," the pamphlet says.

The group is a self-help group and doesn't offer professional psychotherapy or counseling.  Chapter meetings are safe places where thoughts and feelings can be freely expressed, and where all participants can find care and friendships. There are no fees or dues for participating in meetings.

A candle lighting is held on the second Sunday of December to remember the lost, Allen said, a time during which songs will be sang and there will be reading. It's open to anyone.