Hi. My name is Cathy.  I am a member of the parish grief group.  I have had many major surgeries that included losing both legs above the knee.  It is very clear to me that I am a vascular mess.

In May of 2022, I failed a medically induced stress test and cardiac catheterization. Prior to the tests, I had an x-ray that showed a hernia that was attached to my AAA (Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm) repair scar.  The bottom line is I need more surgeries. However, at this point, I would not survive.  

I have a friend who is a St. Joseph Parish member and would bring me communion on Sundays and would leave the parish bulletin. One Monday, as I started reading the STJCC Bulletin, I noticed a small note about the grief group. I called the church and a lady in the office confirmed that there are meetings every Monday at 1 PM. 

At that time, I only knew two things: 1) There is a God; 2) Alone, I could not handle these feelings of profound sadness, anger, and fear.  So, I decided I was going to attend the Grief group. If they would not accept me, I really did not know what I would do. 

Fortunately, and thankfully, I am accepted.  I attend every week with others who have losses. I am learning to accept and adapt, and I cry.  And I am learning that grief is not just for those who have lost people they loved.  Loss of job, home, health, and even limbs are matters of grief.  Each of us is trying to mend our broken selves by loving and crying together.  We are healing.  So good.