One of the hardest things for a parent to endure can be losing a child, but when an adult child dies, the issues can be different than those faced by parents of young children.

Jim and his wife were understandably grief stricken so they turned to a support group for parents who have lost adult children. "It's just something that you never believe is going to happen to you, particularly with a child. We lost our child 2 years ago January, 28th he was 30 years old, just a wonderful son, but we lost him."

Mark Geisler hosts this support group and admits it's an emotional group to run, but very rewarding. "These are each marvelous and courageous people who are doing their best to get through an unspeakable horror, and they just draw strength from one another and help one another."

Mark says that no one understands the pain of losing a child like someone who has experienced the same tragedy. Bringing people together with similar situations helps them work through their grief. "We sometimes think that it's something we ought to be able to get over quickly and that is really never the case."

Jim says, "It's very raw, but I think that's part of the healing process. And it's made a difference, it's very small steps at a time but it does make a difference."

Jim admits that it takes a lot of courage to join a support group like this, but he's seen first-hand that it can make a huge difference.

This support group meets every 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information you can call 939-8319.