Grief talks set Aug. 25

The fourth annual Parents Left Behind seminar for parents who have suffered the loss of a child will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at Central United Methodist Church, Student Ministries Building, 6 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. Parents, grandparents and other concerned adults who are grieving the loss of a child, no matter the age the child was or how long ago the loss occurred, are welcome.

The theme for the seminar is “You Are Not Alone.” Parents Left Behind is an organization founded by Dr. Susan Averitt, a local pediatrician and bereaved mother. Its purpose is to offer support to grieving parents, born out of Averitt’s desire to make something positive come out of her family’s unspeakable loss.

The seminar will open with a keynote address by Averitt, followed by a brief introductory video of the breakout presenters who are bereaved parents or grandparents. Each breakout session, a total of four, will include a grief professional, a bereaved parent or grandparent and a moderator. Counselors will be available.

Those attending may select two of the four breakouts. Breakout topics include: How could God allow this to happen?; Can I forgive?; Will I ever be happy again?; How can I keep my child from being forgotten?

To provide a source of community with others who share a similar experience, lunch discussion groups will be held for those interested. Topics include: pregnancy loss, infant loss, long illness, sudden unexpected death, suicide, adult children, and friends, family and other support roles. Lunch will be provided by Einstein Bros. Bagels of Fayetteville.

The event is offered at no charge, but registration is requested.

Information: parentsleftbehind.org.