If you had the opportunity to go camping this summer - you were blessed. We have some friends who loved to go camping each summer as a family. Grandparents to grandchildren all took part in the joyous event. Together they purchased a 5th wheel camper. Then a few years ago their son was killed in a car accident. The camper was put away and no one looked at it for years. That was the end of camping as their heart and soul were not in the mood to camping.
This year our friends got that camper out of the mothballs and they all went camping again. They had a great time. It was different because their son was not alive to enjoy the sights and sounds of their camping experience. They remembered some by gone days of camping when their son was alive. This summer they shared many memories, tears and a great deal of laughter.
Camping gives us the opportunity to be out in the fresh air and enjoy God's wonderful creation. Seeing all the sights and sounds of nature helps us forget our grief for a few moments and allows the body and mind time to start the healing process. There is healing we find in nature that soothes the grieving heart. We see how both birth and death are interwoven into God's eternal plan of nature.
Camping offers us a slower pace of life. Our day is our own and we can do as we please with no set agenda. We may plan to get up early just to enjoy a sun rise. In the outdoors we can breathe in the fresh air and it really allows us to get away from the routines of our daily life.
Fun should be the top priority for the camping event. It is okay for us to laugh and play and enjoy our camping experience. It is not disrespectful to the memory of the person who died if we laugh, play and enjoy ourselves.
The memory of your loved one will be with you always. You will not forget them. In camping we can focus on nature, living and healing. There is a very close connection between healing and nature. If you ever have the opportunity to go camping please plan to take in the event. Plan ahead. Maybe a camping vacation will be something you and your family will enjoy next year.
"Look deep, deep into nature, and you will better understand you own grief.
Margaret Anne Yost nursed for 35 years and journeyed with many clients who were dying. I completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education at the Regina General Hospital. Returning back to school I completed classes from the Red River College in the areas of Gerontology, Bereavement, Death and Dying.
I was enrolled eight years in lay ministry training, and graduated as a (LPA) Lay Pastoral Assistant. For twelve years I worked in bereavement support at a funeral home. At present I am employed as an Interim Parish Worker at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Melville Sask. I also enjoy my role as homemaker and full time grandmother.
If you are grieving at this time and you would like to share your story or comment on what you have read, I may be reached at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Melville 1-306- 728-3971 and please leave a message. I will return your call.
