Dad’s Death Leads to Helping Others

By: Natalie Brewer Sharp

I lost my dad when I was 18 years old. I was daddy's little girl. We had that strong daddy/daughter connection, and he was a huge piece of my heart.  

A week after my high school graduation, we took a family vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. Our first day there we went snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. It was a beautiful day and we were busy making memories. And then, the unthinkable happened -- my dad drowned. 

His drowning was found to be an accident. He was really the first person in my family that had died at that point. Little did I know, I'd go on to lose my Grandpa, Grandma, and Pawpaw in the next 5 years. 

I didn't understand grief. Not many people lose a parent at that age, so I didn't have anyone around me who shared my experience of loss and relate to me. Once, my mom took my brothers and me to a grief counselor, but I went kicking and screaming. 

Flash forward about 10 years. I have known Laurie since I was a child, and she knew my dad. She posted about the Grief & Loss Center asking for volunteers to work with kids and teens who had experienced loss. This was something that interested me, so I messaged her. I began as a facilitator for SAM’s (Same As Me) Place. 

While serving as a SAM’s facilitator, I felt I was actually able to process my own grief. I learned what grief really looked and felt like, and that everyone grieves differently. I enjoyed being able to be there for someone who had experienced a loss similar to mine. 

I was able to serve the Center for seven years. Throughout that time, I was a facilitator for SAM’s Place, helped found the Young Adult Grief Group, and served on the Board of Directors. The Center is a very welcoming and warm place and holds a special place in my heart. Laurie and the other volunteers accept everyone. Its very comforting being able to give back and connect with others who have experienced loss. 

Laurie’s knowledge and wisdom have helped create valuable resources and build support groups to meet others where they are. The Grief & Loss Center’s support groups provide a space for those who have lost a loved one to be met where they are with no expectation of agenda or timeline for grief. 

I'm very thankful for the time I served with the Grief & Loss Center, and I plan to support the Center as it continues to help others, like me, on their grief journey.