The Respite has been such a blessing for me, especially the Gerentology Expert, Lyndall Hare, Ph.D. I have found older women, like myself (age 66), who are in some sort of transition due to divorce, death, etc...the Wisdom Circles, the Sage-ing and Aging programs and my individual meetings with Lyndall have help me in the recovery of grief of a long marriage, to connect with women my own age going through similar situation, to learn to accept aging as a positve and growth part of life, to be able to make the necessary changes in my own life to live my life fully and accept who and where I am NOW....I know of the other programs for grief and the Death Cafes to bring into the open a place to talk about death without judgement and with openess and honesty, to help erase myths around death...and aging...to understand how I can mentor younger women...how Wisdom Circles promote positve sharing so different than regular therapy...(which is offered)....I highly recommend this organization began by three women who needed support...and to now guide others of all ages and stages through grief and to show how life despite a great loss goes on..with love and acceptance...and aging is brought to the forefront as positive and a most wonderful part of life!
I feel very, very fortunate to have been able to see Mandy for a period of time in my life that was so overwhelming and quite terrorizing. Mandy help my psyche in a way that allowed me to unwind my pain and loss; take a gentle, but real look at, and feel of the damage; and then acted as a springboard to propel me into a surprisingly joyful place. Amazing! I never thought that it could have been done. I had been struggling for a very long time. I feel so blessed and so grateful for the wisdom, the humor and the generosity that Mandy offered to me. The Respite is truly a unique place and Mandy is an outstanding therapist and advocate for the small voice of hope that lives inside the darkness.
I am extremely fortunate to have The Respite. After the death of my husband I was hopelessly lost. I struggled in support groups; being judged for my lack of religious beliefs. Finding The Respite was like finding an oasis in the middle of the desert. I walked through the doors of The Respite and into the open arms of the staff. Their unique programs have helped me immensely. The Respite is my safe haven and I don't know where I'd be without it.
