“The workshop started out as, ‘Why did I get picked to attend this workshop?’ …then after the first break, the workshop really hit home. My family has experienced grief and … a lot of loss as well. Now leaving the workshop, I feel that I can now heal and let go. I thank you and greatly appreciate all this new profound information.”
– 2017 Roadshow attendee
“This Thing Called Grief: It’s Complicated” was the topic for AHPCA’s 8th annual Roadshow. From May to October 2017, we travelled around Alberta, connecting with AHPCA members in five diverse communities. We began in Okotoks, headed south to Medicine Hat, north to Vegreville, and then to Olds in central Alberta before a summer break. In the fall, we ventured north to High Prairie to end our 2017 Roadshow season.
“Very beneficial to discuss grief via stories with relating to others. Completely new understanding of the topic very much beyond the textbook.”
– 2017 Roadshow attendee
This year, the Roadshow workshop was led by Bert Enns, a respected health care professional in Alberta, who has worked within palliative and end-of-life care programs for over 16 years. Bert specializes in grief support and spiritual well being.
Bert guided participants through a day of exploring grief and bereavement in complex situations. We learned that losing a loved one to suicide, sudden death, or via medical assistance in dying (MAID) can lead to complicated grief, as can losing a teen or young adult. Judgment, shame, and shock may follow. How can we understand those feelings within ourselves and help those facing grief in difficult situations?
“Bert and Evie were excellent speakers. Very easy to listen to and knowledgeable. I learned so much today and am excited to bring this info back to my co-workers.”
– 2017 Roadshow attendee
Evie Wallace brought the concept of complicated grief into sharp focus during her presentation entitled “Hugh’s Story: As told by Evie Wallace.” She recounted their family’s anticipatory grief as they grappled with her husband, Hugh’s, decision to pursue MAID after years of illness left him in tremendous physical, emotional and psychological pain.
“I loved Evie’s presentation. She was so articulate, straight forward and easy to understand. It was good to hear an account of MAID from a first-hand perspective. EXCELLENT!”
– 2017 Roadshow attendee
AHPCA gratefully thanks everyone who attended the 2017 Roadshow. We are particularly thankful to the Order of St Lazarus – Calgary and Edmonton Commanderies for their continued support of these valuable education workshops. The Roadshow would not be possible without them. Our gratitude extends to our hosts in each location (Okotoks: Tudor Manner/Brenda Stafford Foundation, Medicine Hat: St. Joseph’s Home/Carmel Hospice, Vegreville: St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Olds: Olds and District Hospice Society, High Prairie: High Prairie & District Holistic Palliative Care Society). Heartfelt thanks to Bert Enns for her wonderful guidance in leading the Road Show this year, and to Evie Wallace whose story made such a lasting impression on so many participants.
“This is my second Roadshow. Both were profound for me. I value my time at Roadshow. Great insight, new knowledge. They expand me. Controversy was handled with grace. Evie was phenomenal. Thank you!”
– 2017 Roadshow attendee
We at AHPCA are already busy planning the 2018 Roadshow: “A Mindful Finale: Spirituality and Ritual in End-of-Life.”
Watch the AHPCA website, Facebook and Twitter for updates. See you there!
