June 11, 2020
Taking time to process the magnitude of the global pandemic can seem impossible and intimidating some days. Facing deep sadness, denial, and anger alone may feel right to some of us, while others might seek ways to talk with others or create a more physical display to represent how they are feeling. Whatever format feels right to you is okay. If you are looking for ways to share your story, connect with others, or commemorate a loved one, browse the resources and links listed below.
Share Your Story
History is taking place right now. The Detroit Historical Museum invites you to leave an audio or video recording of your experience with COVID-19. The stories will become part of the city’s archive documenting this time in history. Learn more about how to submit your story here.
COVID-19 Memorial Rock Garden
Now through Labor Day, everyone is welcome to contribute to the new public memory garden in front of Legends Plaza at the Detroit Historical Museum by adding a rock to commemorate a loved one. Paint a rock or two to honor Detroiters serving on the front lines or those who have lost their lives. Learn more about how to participate here.
Build an Altar or Join a Local Open Grief Group
Julie Weathervane of Weathervane Counseling & Consulting and Tacara Woods of the M.I.C.H.A.E.L. Organization host an open group on Zoom focused on processing grief and honoring personal altars. It might sound intimidating to join a group of strangers on Zoom for an open group session about grief, but the space that Julie and Tacara creates is comforting, peaceful and informative.
About the session:
We recognize that grief can come from all kinds of loss and change that happens in life; whether that be a job, identity, person, place, relationship etc.
Grief Group FAQ:
Q: What is an Open Group?
A: It means that you can come to one session if you want and not commit to the whole series. We’re happy to have you whenever!
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The group is donation based pay, donate what you can. Know that bringing yourself is more than enough.
Q: Do I have to talk?
A: Absolutely not! Sometimes we need to simply be present. We respect that.
Q: What’s creating an altar like?
A: An altar could be a space in your home, or your pocket, dedicated to ancestors and/or personal peace. Your altar will sit in a space close to you and we will acknowledge at the end of group.
More information available on Facebook
Honor Your Loved One With a Longstanding Detroit Business
Mays Multimedia is a family-owned and operated business that has been around since 1946. CEO Elizabeth Mays and her team are helping families honor their loved ones by designing custom storytelling keepsakes that celebrate an individual’s life. Until we can gather again, a printed memorial can be mailed to family and friends. Elizabeth’s team is also providing the digital files to be used at a later service date. Learn more and start your order here.
Virtual Memorial Guide
Reimagine and #Quaranteam have teamed up to produce a free do-it-yourself Virtual Memorial Guide to help you design and host a meaningful virtual storytelling gathering to honor a loved one during this time. Download the step-by-step checklist and templates here.
What’s powerful about a virtual format?
Reimagine is a nonprofit that sparks community-driven festivals and conversations that explore death and celebrate life. #Quaranteam is a volunteer coalition dedicated to fostering human connection in a time of social distancing.
ICYMI: Detroit Mental Health’s #tools2thrive Virtual Conversations
Ken Walker, Fashion Designer and Mental Wealth Activist, hosted a #ToolsToThrive series on Instagram during May’s mental health awareness month. Detroit Mental Health seeks to build a culture of mental wealth in Detroit and fight the stigmas of mental health.
Now, take a deep breath. You can do this. We’re in this together.
