By Sarah Little, MA, Counseling Beyond the First Goodbye: Understanding Secondary Losses, Especially During the Holiday Season When a loved one dies, the first heartbreak is their physical absence. Over time, however, another layer of grief often emerges. These 'secondary losses' are the quiet, unexpected changes in daily routines, family roles, and personal identity that rarely receive sympathy cards or outside acknowledgment. Although the loved one's absence is felt immediately, these added losses can surface months or even years later, making them difficult to understand and manage, especially during meaningful milestones or the holiday season. For hospice survivors, secondary losses often begin with the abrupt end of the caregiving role. Daily schedules may have been anchored around medical appointments, medication management, or worrying over the next medical crisis. A void opens when these routines abruptly stop. Survivors are not only grieving a loved one, but the purpose, structure, and planning that drove daily life. Life after loss can also require a redefining of identity. There may be a shift from constant companion, spouse, or dedicated caretaker to someone navigating a quiet and empty home. These identity changes may also significantly alter friendships, family dynamics, and other relationships. The holiday season magnifies secondary losses because holidays are built on traditions and shared roles. Maybe the person who died was the family chef or the coordinator of gatherings. The presence of an empty chair can highlight the loss of a shared future and milestones that were to be experienced together. Additionally, secondary losses can sometimes involve a rupture in faith, or faith support systems, which can feel especially difficult during the holidays. Managing this layered grief during a season that has societal pressures to be cheerful requires a lowering of internal and external expectations. Holiday grief encompasses all the small, fragile pieces of daily life that shifted with loss. Acknowledging these shifts allows for a gentle approach to a difficult season, honoring the primary and secondary losses, and the deep love that inspired them all. Helpful Tips Name your specific losses Give permission to mourn things that do not have an official obituary. It is completely normal to grieve a lost habit, a full house, or altered family traditions. Establish gentle boundaries Communicate openly with well-meaning family and friends. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others. Introduce flexible rituals Do not apply pressure to recreate the past perfectly. Honor a loved one with low-stress actions, such as lighting a candle, playing their favorite song, or cooking a favorite dish. Holidays will be different but can still hold meaning. Seek support Talking with a professional grief counselor, clergy, grief support group, or even attending a workshop aimed at grief support during the holidays can be helpful when navigating the losses unique to the holiday season. Source: What's Your Grief. (n.d.). After a death: The holidays are a secondary loss. https://whatsyourgrief.com/after-a-death-the-holidays-are-a-secondary-loss. What's Your Grief. (n.d.). A deep dive into secondary loss. https://whatsyourgrief.com/a-deep-dive-into-secondary-loss We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By Janella Poda-Henry, MA, LCMHC, LPC Movie Review: I Still Believe I Still Believe is a heartfelt biographical drama based on the true story of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp. This story shares his journey through love, loss, and enduring faith. His faith is not a static or an unchanging belief but is a faith tested through the complexities of life. Jeremy's journey, and that of his beloved Melissa, is an uphill battle highlighting their raw experiences of love, illness, loss, surrender, and awe. Together, they face immense pain that challenges their faith, leaving Jeremy and Melissa with difficult questions. A pivotal moment occurs when Jeremy's despair erupts in anger, symbolized by him destroying his guitar in a burst of overwhelming emotion, confusion, hurt, and frustration. This leads him to find a letter written by Melissa that prompts a pause, a moment to question hope amidst the pain. It is only after this that he can begin an honest dialogue with his father, where he expresses his doubts. Jeremy recalls praying for his youngest brother to be born healthy, only for him to be born with disabilities; his father's prayer for his own ministry to flourish, which was met with fading influence; and he prayed for a miracle for Melissa healing, only to face further tragic news. With a voice that breaks, Jeremy asks his father, 'What am I supposed to do with that?' There is not a single answer or simple solution. Instead, the film offers truthful encouragement: we carry the pain and questions, while making purposeful decisions to seek hope, beauty, and love. In this process we may begin to see them emerge through the cracks of loss. Wonderment and awe are threaded throughout the movie starting with a scene of Jeremy and Melissa's first date continuing through the conclusion of the film. This wonderment can become a form of self-compassion, a reminder that life continues and joy remains possible, even while grieving. The practice of wonderment does not replace grief; rather, it coexists with grief. This wonderment can enrich our experiences by reminding us that life, even after loss, can still be full of wonder. By integrating moments of awe into our grieving process, we honor our pain while nurturing hope, connection, and meaning, allowing us to carry love forward, even in the face of tragedy. Reflection Where do you experience wonder and awe? How have you used wonderment throughout life during difficult and challenging times to give yourself pause? Would making time to be around these things, places, or calmness be helpful? What ways can you intentionally choose to make more time to do this in your life? We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By Grief Counselor Jasmine Blue, M.A. A Movie Review - Remarkably Bright Creatures What happens when grief makes people feel disconnected from life, others, and even themselves...and what helps bring them back? That is the question I found myself thinking about while reflecting on the new Netflix movie, "Remarkably Bright Creatures." What makes this story so meaningful is how gently it approaches grief, loneliness, and the human need for connection. The film highlights how loss can quietly impact people in different ways while also reminding us that hope is often found in unexpected places and relationships. One thing that stood out to me is that the movie does not treat grief as something that needs to the "fixed" or "healed." Instead, it acknowledges sadness, isolation, and longing that can follow loss while still leaving room for hope, humor, purpose, and new beginnings. I appreciated how the story balanced emotional moments with warmth and lightheartedness in a way that felt comforting rather than overwhelming. The relationships throughout the movie serve as a reminder that grieving people do not always need answers or advice. Sometimes they simply need connections, understanding, and a reason to keep showing up for life. I also think the movie does a beautiful job of showing that grief can affect people of all ages, yet hope, purpose, and meaningful moments can still be experienced in every stage of life. Overall, this film felt uplifting, thoughtful, and encouraging and I hope you take some time to watch it. It reminds us that even after loss, life can still surprise us with meaningful connections, moments of joy, and reasons to move forward. Grief may become part of our story, but it does not have to be the end of it. Remember, "There's life after grief, just a different one." Questions to think about... In what ways has grief impacted my connection with others or myself? What or what has helped me continue moving forward during difficult seasons of life? What unexpected moments, people, or experiences have brought me comfort, hope, or purpose while grieving? We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

VIA Health Partners promises to provide exceptional hospice and palliative care, to guide you and your family on this journey, and to respect your choices. Your comfort, needs, and wishes come first. You can count on us - where you need us and when you need us. ​ That is our promise. Home-Based Primary Care Compassionate care, right at home. Equity Health offers personalized home-based primary care services - bringing quality healthcare to you. Learn more... providing exceptional care since 1978 Services Operating since 1978, we are a non-profit specialized in providing end-of-life care to 49 counties across North and South Carolina. View Office Locations >> View Hospice House Locations >> View Palliative Care Clinics >> hospice care in a peaceful, home-like setting ...inpatient care The comfort of our patients is our top concern and that is why we offer hospice care wherever a patient calls home. But for instances where acute, around-the-clock care is needed, our 6 hospice houses allow for comfortable care in a peaceful, home-like setting. Learn more about our Hospice Houses compassionate end-of-life care ...hospice care Hospice is comfort-oriented care focused on quality of life for patients with a diagnosis of months, weeks, or days to live. We will bring our care to you, whether in the home, assisted living community, long term care community, or hospital. Learn more about Hospice Care support & enhanced quality of life ...palliative care Palliative care helps those living with a serious illness maintain their quality of life while also providing support to family and loved ones. Learn more about Palliative Care tailored treatment for a unique diagnosis ...specialty care We believe that each patient under our care deserves focused, tailored treatment designed to alleviate pain and symptoms unique to their diagnosis. Dementia Care Program >> Pediatric Care Program >> Veteran Care Program >> supporting you on this journey ...grief support Grief is a normal, natural response to the loss of someone or something important. It is unique to the person experiencing it and is as individual as the relationship that brought it about. Because of this uniqueness and individuality, there is no set timetable for how a person goes through the process. Likewise, what is helpful for some people may not be helpful for others. Learn more about Grief Support

View the Grief Support Event Calendar at VIA Health Partners. Find upcoming events and programs designed to provide support and healing for those navigating grief. Join us for upcoming... Holiday Workshops October, November, & December 2026 View Event Calendar >> Hover your cursor to pause slider... September 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 31 6:00 PM Loss of a Parent Support Group - Virtual Group for Ages 40 and Younger 1 10:00 AM "In Good Company" - Lincoln / Gaston / Catawba 10:00 AM "Coffee & Connections" - Greenville, SC 2:00 PM Sips & Support Circle - Fort Mill, SC 2 8:30 AM In Good Company - Laurens County, SC 3 12:00 AM Nourish & Release - Greenville, SC 4 5 6 7 6:00 PM Loss of a Parent Support Group - Virtual Group for Ages 40 and Younger 8 10:00 AM "Coffee & Connections" - Lake Norman, NC 5:00 PM In Good Company: Spousal Loss Support Group - Burke / McDowell Counties, NC (1) 9 10 12:00 AM Nourish & Release - Greenville, SC 10:00 AM Exercise Your Grieving Heart: Walking Support Group - Lake Norman, NC 10:30 AM Reflections Sharing Group - Cleveland County, NC +4 more 11 12 13 2:00 PM Annual Memorial Services - Butterfly Release - North Charlotte 2:00 PM Annual Memorial Services - Butterfly Release - Lake Norman 14 11:30 AM Loss of Partner/Significant Other for Retired Individuals - Charlotte, NC 4:00 PM General Grief Group - Laurens County, SC 5:00 PM Reflections Spousal Loss - Cleveland County, NC +1 more 15 10:00 AM Memory Bear & Pillow Holiday Workshop - Lincoln / Gaston / Catawba, NC 10:00 AM "Coffee & Connections" - Greenville, SC 16 2:00 PM General Grief Support Group - Greenville, SC 17 12:00 AM Nourish & Release - Greenville, SC 10:00 AM Exercise Your Grieving Heart: Walking Support Group - Lake Norman, NC 18 12:00 PM Reflections Adult Child Loss - Cleveland County, NC 19 20 21 9:00 AM "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Laurens County, SC 6:00 PM Loss of a Parent Support Group - Virtual Group for Ages 40 and Younger 22 12:00 AM Dementia Caregiver Support - Laurens County, SC 9:00 AM Memory Bear & Pillow Workshop - Cleveland County, NC 3:00 PM Memory Bear & Pillow Workshop - Cleveland County, NC +2 more 23 24 12:00 AM "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Lincoln/Gaston/Catawba, NC 12:00 AM Nourish & Release - Greenville, SC 10:00 AM Exercise Your Grieving Heart: Walking Support Group - Lake Norman, NC +2 more 25 26 27 2:00 PM Annual Memorial Services - Butterfly Release - South Charlotte 28 4:00 PM General Grief Group - Laurens County, SC 6:00 PM Loss of a Parent Support Group - Virtual Group for Ages 40 and Younger 29 10:00 AM "Coffee & Connections" - Greenville, SC 11:00 AM Grief Walk - Cleveland County, NC 30 1 12:00 AM "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Lincoln/Gaston/Catawba, NC 10:00 AM Exercise Your Grieving Heart: Walking Support Group - Lake Norman, NC 1:00 PM In Good Company - Burke / McDowell Counties, NC 2 3 4 5 8:30 AM "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Laurens County, SC 5:00 PM Reflections Spousal Loss - Cleveland County, NC 6 12:00 AM Loss of Spouse/Partner (General) - Charlotte, NC Office 10:00 AM "In Good Company" General Grief Support - Lincoln / Gaston / Catawba, NC 10:00 AM Exercise Your Grieving Heart - Greenville, SC +2 more 7 8:30 AM In Good Company - Laurens County, SC 8 12:00 AM "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Lincoln/Gaston/Catawba, NC 10:00 AM Exercise Your Grieving Heart: Walking Support Group - Lake Norman, NC 10:30 AM Reflections General Loss - Cleveland County, NC +3 more 9 10 Day (1/2) 27th Annual Chameleon's Journey Fall Overnight Grief Camp Multiple Dates "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Lincoln/Gaston/Catawba, NC Oct 01, 2026, 12:00 AM – 12:10 AM Rankin Lake Park, 1750 Rankin Lake Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Exercise Your Grieving Heart: Walking Support Group - Lake Norman, NC Oct 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Jetton Park, 19000 Jetton Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates In Good Company - Burke / McDowell Counties, NC Oct 01, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Grace Ridge Retirement Community, 500 Lenoir Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates "Exercise Your Grieving Heart" Weekly Walking Grief Support Group - Laurens County, SC Oct 05, 2026, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Presbyterian College Softball Field, 503 S Broad St, Clinton, SC 29325, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Reflections Spousal Loss - Cleveland County, NC Oct 05, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM VIA Health Partners, 951 Wendover Heights Dr, Shelby, NC 28150, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Loss of Spouse/Partner (General) - Charlotte, NC Office Oct 06, 2026, 12:00 AM – 12:10 AM The Collective Givens Aldersgate, 3400 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates "In Good Company" General Grief Support - Lincoln / Gaston / Catawba, NC Oct 06, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lincolnton VIA Health Partners Office, 900 Dontia Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Exercise Your Grieving Heart - Greenville, SC Oct 06, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Contact Nicky for location details. More info Learn more Multiple Dates Sips & Support Circle - Fort Mill, SC Oct 06, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Contact Naomi for location details. More info Learn more Multiple Dates In Good Company: Spousal Loss Support Group - Burke / McDowell Counties, NC Oct 06, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Burke County City Hall Bldg - Ste 130A, 305 E Union St, Morganton, NC 28655, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates In Good Company - Laurens County, SC Oct 07, 2026, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Bojangles, 310 Springdale Dr, Clinton, SC 29325, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Reflections General Loss - Cleveland County, NC Oct 08, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM VIA Health Partners, 951 Wendover Heights Dr, Shelby, NC 28150, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Expressions of Grief Workshop - Charlotte, NC Oct 08, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT VIA Health Partners - Charlotte Office, 7600 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28226, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates General Grief Group - Columbia, SC Oct 08, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM VIA Health Partners - Columbia, SC, 2180 Boyce St, Suite B, Columbia, SC 29207, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates Moving Through Grief - Laurens County, SC Oct 08, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM VIA Health Partners, 1304 Springdale Dr, Clinton, SC 29325, USA More info Learn more 27th Annual Chameleon's Journey Fall Overnight Grief Camp Oct 10, 2026, 7:30 AM – Oct 11, 2026, 2:30 PM Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie, SC, 1 Thunderbird Ln, Lake Wylie, SC 29710, USA More info RSVP Multiple Dates Loss of Spouse/Partner for Retired Age - Charlotte, NC Oct 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM VIA Health Partners - Charlotte Office, 7600 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28226, USA More info Learn more Multiple Dates General Grief Group - Laurens County, SC Oct 12, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM VIA Health Partners, 1304 Springdale Dr, Clinton, SC 29325, USA More info Learn more Load More

We are proud to have served our North and South Carolina communities for over 4 decades. Visit us to locate a VIA Health Partners office nearest you. proudly serving 49 counties in North & South Carolina Offices Refer Yourself or Loved One Request More Information Charlotte NC Offices Davidson NC Office Lincolnton NC Office Shelby NC Office Clinton SC Office Columbia SC Office Florence SC Office Fort Mill SC Office Greenville SC Office Rock Hill SC Office More Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 North Carolina We proudly serve 15 counties in North Carolina. Click an office below to view branch details, or scroll on to view all VIA office locations. ► Charlotte / Mecklenburg County ► Davidson / Lake Norman / Mecklenburg County ► Lincolnton / Lincoln County ► Shelby / Cleveland County South Carolina We proudly serve 34 counties in South Carolina. Click an office below to view branch details, or scroll on to view all VIA office locations. ► Clinton / Laurens County ► Columbia ► Florence ► Fort Mill / Lancaster County ► Greenville / Greenville County ► Rock Hill / York County NC Branch Offices - Charlotte S. Charlotte VIA Main Office Street Address: 7845 Little Avenue Charlotte, NC 28226 Mailing Address: PO Box 470408 Charlotte, NC 28247 Ph: 704.375.0100 Fx: 704.335.3522 Center for Palliative Care Advancement 7600 Little Avenue Charlotte, NC 28226 Ph: 704.375.0100 Philip L. Van Every Learning Resource Center 6624 Walsh Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28226 Ph: 704.375.0100 Directions >> Visit Website >> NC Branch Office - Shelby / Cleveland County Cleveland 951 Wendover Heights Drive Shelby, NC 28150 Ph: 704.487.4677 Fx: 704.481.8050 Directions >> Visit Website >> NC Branch Office - Davidson / Lake Norman Lake Norman 705 Griffith Street Suite 203 Davidson, NC 28036 Ph: 704.375.0100 Fx: 704.335.3522 Directions >> Visit Website >> NC Branch Office - Lincolnton / Lincoln County Lincolnton 900 Dontia Drive Lincolnton, NC 28092 Ph: 704.732.6146 Fx: 704.335.3522 Directions >> Visit Website >> SC Branch Office - Columbia Columbia 2180 Boyce Street Suite B Columbia, SC 29201 Ph: 803.431.2390 Fx: 877.209.4134 Directions >> Visit Website >> SC Branch Office - Florence Florence Office 1515 Heritage Lane Florence, SC 29505 Ph: 843.407.2553 Fx: 843.353.1979 Directions >> Visit Website >> SC Branch Office - Fort Mill / Rock Hill Fort Mill 1061 Red Ventures Drive Suite 130 Fort Mill, SC 29707 Ph: 803.548.3708 Fx: 704.335.3522 Directions >> Visit Website >> SC Branch Office - Greenville Greenville 10 Memorial Medical Drive Greenville, SC 29605 Ph: 864.438.3900 Fx: 704.335.3522 Directions >> Visit Website >> SC Branch Office - Clinton / Laurens County Laurens 10 Memorial Medical Drive Greenville, SC 29605 Ph: 864.438.3900 Fx: 704.335.3522 Directions >> Visit Website >> SC Branch Office - Greenville 1304 Springdale Drive Clinton, SC 29325 Ph: 864.833.6287 Fx: 877.209.4134 Directions >> Visit Website >>