Stepping Stones of compassion: Maria’s journey from grief to giving back
In recognition of National Grief Awareness Week, Pilgrims Hospices shines a light on its Stepping Stones bereavement services and the inspiring journey of Maria Spencer, a volunteer whose compassion has been a source of comfort to others navigating loss.
For Maria, joining Pilgrims’ Stepping Stones bereavement services was not just a chance to help, but a deeply personal calling. After the death of her husband, Pilgrims Hospices provided Maria with solace during one of her darkest times. Today, she devotes her time to others on a similar path, facilitating the monthly Bereavement Café and weekly Walk and Talk groups.
Maria’s background in tutoring and patient support had already taught her the power of group support, and her experience with Pilgrims added another layer of understanding. Her journey started as a participant in the Bereavement Café, where she found immediate comfort among volunteers and attendees bound by a shared experience. Surrounded by people who truly understood her grief, Maria felt reassured that her feelings were part of a larger, collective journey.
During her healing process, Maria also sought time outdoors, even traveling to Scotland for a nature-focused bereavement group. Being surrounded by nature’s rhythms brought her a sense of calm and she found essential to her own healing; a concept incorporated into the weekly Walk and Talk group. In these sessions, participants walk side by side, finding peace and connection in the natural surroundings. Maria treasures the 40 minutes they share, spotting wildlife, walking through the changing seasons, and allowing conversations to flow naturally. Afterwards, the group often continues over coffee, sharing stories, laughter, and the beginning of new friendships.
Today, Maria listens with an open heart to those navigating grief, providing the same steady support she once received. She knows how isolating grief can feel, and for many, the group offers a space where they feel comfortable discussing their emotions in a way that might be difficult with family or friends. Maria feels privileged to witness people’s progress, from small victories to blossoming friendships, each a testament to the strength of shared compassion.
Reflecting on her journey with Stepping Stones, Maria describes it as “humbling and profoundly rewarding.” She believes that while there’s no magic fix for grief, the kinship and understanding these groups provide can be life-changing. Having once been carried by this support herself, Maria now finds joy in being a part of someone else’s journey. In her words, “It’s wonderful to be here for others and to help foster the sense of healing and hope that Stepping Stones brings.”
Maria’s journey serves as a reminder that even in times of profound loss, connection and community can guide the path to healing.
To find out more about bereavement support at Pilgrims, visit pilgrimshospices.org/bereavement.
National Grief Awareness Week takes place 2-8 December 2024. It raises awareness of the impact of grief and loss on a national platform. To find out more, visit thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw.
