Black Ribbon Program
Full credit for the Black Ribbon Program goes to Len McEwen at Highlander Counselling.
From his website. "The Black Ribbon Program is intended to support persons who have experienced a loss and are encountering difficulty in dealing with their grief and mourning. They have been requested by hospice operators, physicians, cemeteries, funeral homes, family members and many others. They have helped communities heal after the loss of their young, helped individuals after the loss of family and friends. We hope that it will help you to share your grief."
The Black Ribbon
"The Black Ribbon is a modern day version of the “black arm band” which was commonly worn in British based cultures. The Black Ribbon is intended to be a modern death symbol.
The Black Ribbon is supported by a grief group program and related materials that are available to professionals who are providing grief and loss support."
The Rainbow Ribbon
"The Rainbow Ribbon pin is a new addition and is intended for those who are mourning the loss of a pet. Pet grief is usually disenfranchised. The pin gives the opportunity for voice for their stories about the bond they shared with their pets and assistance in telling the stories to these mourners."
Accompaniment Card
"Both The Black Ribbon and the Rainbow Ribbon pins are accompanied by a card. The card will, often times, have more significance than the pins in that the pins tend to be passed from mourner to mourner while the card is kept and treasured by the original recipient. | download accompaniment card |"
My own twist. I believe most of us are grieving something and it doesn't always have to be physical death. It can be grieving a stage of life that has ended. Maybe you just had your first child. Maybe you had your last child. Maybe it's their first day of school or even their last day of school. Maybe you're an empty nester. Maybe you are moving cities, moving states, moving countries, and leaving behind a network of close friends. Maybe it's the loss of a relationship. A friend, a lover or maybe both. Maybe a parent or family member you had to go no or low contact with. In some way shape or form you have outgrown an old part of your life. I think that is one of the hardest things to do is grieve someone or something that still exists but no longer has a place in your life. I believe that deserves to be witnessed.
For support and resources please visit his website.