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Support for Families of Florida

Support for Families of Florida

The immediate availability of bereavement counseling is welcomed, but what happens when those counselors leave? Today’s horrific news, forgotten soon by the outside world, becomes the reality for the impacted families for the rest of their lives.

There is help for the rest of their lives through The Compassionate Friends.

For more than 40 years, we have been there to greet, hold, commiserate, validate and love all who have lost a child, grandchild, brother or sister so no one need walk alone. We understand because our organization is made up of others who have lost a child too soon. We listen, we support, we educate, and we are available when all seems lost – The Compassionate Friends is where Hope lives. Through the years, hundreds of thousands of families have found comfort from others who, like them, have been walking this grief worn path for a lifetime. We walk among you but you will never know the burden we carry. We are The Compassionate Friends, here so everyone who needs us can find us and everyone who finds us can be helped.

How does it leave you feeling after hearing of more families suffering the loss of a son, daughter, grandchild, brother, or sister?

Do you have any words of encouragement for the families just starting the path to their “new normal”?

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Use the chapter locator to find out information about chapters in your area. Locate a Chapter by selecting your state and zip code.

Comments (22)

  • I am praying for all the families that have lost their beloved children. The Compassionate Friends can help you.

  • My heart goes out to the families of those who have died from this tragedy. The shock of losing your child so quickly in combination with the violent nature of the death is horrific. I will continue to pray for the families involved in the surreal nightmare.

  • Your children will not be forgotten. You need not walk alone. We are here for you when you are ready for us. (((Hugs)))

  • The entire country is with you now in your time of immense grief. I pray that you will find rest and peace as you create a life without your beloved child.

  • I am so heartbroken for your loss. Please know you are not alone in your grief, questions and journey you are now experiencing. Our group is a safe, comforting place for you to share ALL your feelings. We have already been on this path for a while and understand your pain. We welcome you with loving open hearts and arms.

  • My heart is breaking, hearing how your children’s lives were robbed from them and from you. Even though I’ve lost a child, I can’t imagine the pain you must be experiencing right now. I pray you are surrounded with comforting friends and family who can help you through this horribly tragic time. I wish there was another direction other than through it, but there’s not. Many blessings, grace and mercy as you and your loved ones grieve.

  • You are not alone. We walk with you each step of the way, long after the rest of the world moves on. Your compassionate friends will cry with you, and yes, even laugh with you when you share happy memories from BEFORE…. You have a new circle of support for a lifetime…. We love you and we love and honor each of your children gone too soon. <3

  • I cannot imagine the shock and pain you are experiencing. The entire country is supporting you day after day. What I can promise you is when you feel alone, The Compassionate Friends is standing nearby. We are here, with open arms and to let you know ~ You Need Not Walk Alone.

  • Those of us in TCF understand your devastating loss. My heart goes out to you in the loss of your beautiful children. We are here to support you when you need us. Your children will not be forgotten. I am so so sorry for your loss.

  • There is hope in numbers. TCF or similar groups can be your lifeline. Take help in whatever form feels right for you. And, please, do not let other people’s insensitivity take you where you need not go. You have embarked on the most difficult “journey” and will find your own best way to manage and it will take as long as it takes. Reach out when you need an understanding ear, hug, someone who will let you scream, cry, shout, whatever! You are most definitely not alone, but you will often feel very much alone. Wish I had an undo button….

  • Most of us will never understand the loss you have suffered. We are praying for you that God will comfort you now and in the years to come. Jesus “is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother”. The prophet Isaiah prophesied of Jesus “Isaiah 50:4  The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: ” . I know it is true because he has done it for me. I encourage you to let him comfort you.

  • To each and every one of you, I am genuinely saddened by & sorry for your loss. It will be a day frozen in time – before & after. I am sorry that you have been thrust into this club that no one ever wants to be in. My husband & I have had to “pay the ‘club’s’ membership dues” twice in the last 6 years. While it is a club one can never leave, there are (unfortunately) very many members…all in different stages along this lifelong journey of grief. We are here to help one another, to listen to one another, to comfort one another, to love one another & most especially, to offer one another hope. Hope that many do not yet feel on this, their journey. But hope, nonetheless – hope that someday, the sharp pain and shock that sucks the very air from your lungs, will eventually, in time, begin to dull to an ache. Each day is different. Life seems to go on for those not in this club – and that brings fresh pain. Grief is like floating in the ocean – it is sometimes calm, and sometimes you can’t catch your breath between the waves crashing over your head. Please get help for your grief. Sooner than later. The Compassionate Friends have been a lifesaver for me – they have many resources available to help (both online & in person meetings) – for parents, siblings & grandparents. I know your grief is too fresh right now – mixed with shock & all that goes along with the unexpected death of a child…the gathering of funds, the planning of funerals – to be concerned with grief groups, but when things slow down a bit (in a few weeks), PLEASE remember that there IS help & this group is wonderful! We are here to support all. It is the ONLY place that I know I can express my very real, very raw feelings and I will NOT be judged because all in this “club” have felt very similar things. When those around you seem to think you’ve grieved long enough and “should be ‘over it’ by now”, WE will ALWAYS be here for you – you can vent & we will listen.
    I am praying for you all & I am so, so very sorry for your loss, and for your pain.

  • We are here. You are not alone. We will stand for you. We know. We know. Love & light from this day forward.

  • The first few days are surreal. You walk around doing the motions. This is not your life. It is a movie of someone else’s. You are confused. Know that you will survive.

  • Please email me the nearest TCF chapter to Parkland, Florida. If you have an email address, name, phone number or contact for the chapter, please let me know. Is it possible to leave information at funeral homes, doctor offices, churches and on this “comment” area? Most people aren’t aware of Compassionate Friends meetings and may need a small pamphlet to have for later, when the bereaved parents etc. are more receptive to the help and healing that is available to them by other bereaved parents with some experience of living and dealing with this pain and loss. Thank you.

  • My niece was there, with your children. She lost friends. And while I am so thankful to have her safe at home, I am here because I have been on this so called journey for almost two years, after losing my 9 year old granddaughter. I have no words of comfort for none exist. But I am with you all. My heart breaks for each of you. We are all here for you.

  • May God surround you with His love and peace, comfort you for the loss one a loved one. Evil is out of control and we need to pray for our children’s safety everyday!

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