Silent Nights

Grief, Stress, and Coping During the Holidays

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | 6:30-7:30pm
A virtual gathering via Zoom
Free of charge, donations welcomed

The holidays are always a time to come together, and also a time when grief and loss are felt most deeply. This year, after a year of pandemic isolation has brought a deep yearning to come together and embrace, the ongoing limitations of physical distancing brings a new layer of collective grief. This is difficult and emotional time for all, especially for those who have lost loved ones.

This annual program offers a safe space to hear and share stories of grief and know that you are not alone. We will hear from three members of ISH’s bereavement support group, each with a unique experience to share.

Speakers

Bogusława (Bo) Syrotiak 

Bo Syrotiak, born and raised in Poland, has been living in the States since 1998. She is currently pursuing PhD in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. Her mother, Stefania, fell ill in September, and Bo traveled to Poland from the States to take care of her; however, her mother passed on the day of her arrival, September 27. Bo was with her at her passing.

Jean Ross

I have lived in Houston for 43 years. For 27 of those years, I worked as a teacher and with HISD. I have three children: a son in AZ, a daughter who lives nearby in Houston, and my oldest son, who moved to Heaven on Dec. 8, 2015. I’m grateful that I’ve traveled all over the world, and my favorite trip was to Tibet with my daughter.
I love my family, my pets, meditating, reading, and being an eternal student

Jane Hamilton, PhD, MPH, LCSW

Jane Hamilton is assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, at UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC), in Houston. She lost her husband, Josiah “Josh” Hamilton, after a long battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Jane and Josh were married for 30 years and the loss has been difficult for Jane and their three children. Josh was loved deeply by his family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Jane says she has found ISH’s bereavement support group to be a blessing and a safe place to process her grief while learning from others who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Dr. Virgil Fry

Dr. Virgil Fry is Executive Director for Lifeline Chaplaincy, a non-profit organization in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Central Texas. He serves as adjunct professor for Pepperdine and Abilene Christian Universities, teaching graduate level courses on Ministry in Times of Crisis. He is a published author of two books, and speaks nationwide on the spiritual components of serious illness and grief. Caryl, his wife of 33 years, passed away in 2007, and since then he also has experienced the deaths of both parents, a sister-in-law, and his father-in-law.