Dear friend and fellow mother,

I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to connect with you.

There are times this path is so heavy.
I’m glad we can be together.

 

 Below are a few recent and upcoming happenings.

 

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Happenings

Though we have intentionally held back our outreach until we are positioned to help more mothers,

Grieving Hearts continues to grow by word of mouth.

 

In 8 months:

• Over 700 website visitors so far

• 70–80 unique visitors per month

• 50+ mothers receive the newsletter

• 24 mothers attended events

• 4 mothers reached out from different states

• 2 mothers received emergency aid —each raising children on their own + lost wages while grieving

   

 

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Recent Gatherings

 For those who couldn’t make it, you were missed.

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What Made Them, Them

Some of us gathered to tell stories too precious not to be shared.

 

Wellness Walk

We took in the fresh air in each other's company, and it was a beautiful day.

 

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 * Evites * 

Some mothers were disappointed to miss gatherings after losing track of details.

We will begin sending an Evite before each gathering instead of requiring registration,

with the hope that this feels simpler and more accessible. 

A separate e-vite list will be created. You are always welcome to opt out, as initial invitations will be sent to all.

 

 

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Online Support

To make it easier for mothers who have barriers to attending in-person groups,

live outside the area, or are just too heart-stricken to leave the house, 

we have created a monthly 1-hour support group online.

Details for the Healing Hearts Circle follow.

  

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With Gratitude

Three compassionate women,

dedicated to helping the grieving,

continue to offer friendship, support, and collaboration.

Thank you, so, so much.

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• Jill Batiansila, Founder & CEO, Together We Heal Community

  • www.togetherwehealcommunity.org

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• Sara Tapparo, VP & Director of Bereavement & Emotional Support

  • Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer

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• Debbie Harrel & Jeannie Rodriguez, Co-founders & facilitators 

  • Brave Mammas Grief Group of Bayside Church

 

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Mothers Healing Together

Come as you are.

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Guided Relaxation

The next gathering later this month is being rescheduled as we finalize plans for a beautiful new venue.

Mind Garden. www.mindgardenfolsom.com. It will be worth the wait. A new date will be shared soon.

 

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Mothers' Book Club

A small, in-person opportunity to share—or simply listen—about books that have meaning to us all.

The first will be held over four consecutive weeks:

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Begins: May 5th

Time: Tuesdays | 4:30–5:30 PM
Location: Bayside Café | Granite Bay

 

Our first book will be Imagine Heaven, which ties the experiences of people who have

died and returned to descriptions found in the Bible.

 

This timing allows those who wish to also attend the 6:00 PM support group nearby:

o  Bayside Brave Mammas of Bayside Church — 1st and 3rd Tuesday

o  Bereaved Parents of the USA— 2nd Tuesday

 

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Healing Hearts Online Circle

A monthly peer gathering centered around a meaningful, heartfelt question—offering a

private space to reflect, share if you wish, or simply listen.

 

Begins: Monday, May 25
Ongoing: Fourth Monday of each month
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM

 

Meeting details will be shared individually to protect the privacy of the space.
You are always welcome to reach out for the Zoom link and password.

916-420-9790

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Come as you are.

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Healing Hearts Education Series

This is a mother-centered, peer-led grief series created by licensed therapists

who are themselves bereaved mothers—combining clinical understanding

with lived experience of child loss.

 

Together, we gently explore how the loss of a child impacts a mother’s body, mind, relationships, faith, and sense of identity. Each session offers a compassionate space to speak freely, honor your child,

and begin to make sense of what you are carrying.

 

Format: 90 minutes | Six weekly sessions | Workbook included
Date: Expected June 2026

 

Group size will be kept small.

Please reach out if you would like to be included.

See the website for additional details. 

www.grieving-hearts.org

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Ways to Be Involved

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Your Ideas and Suggestions

I would love to hear from you—ideas for gatherings, resources, or ways we can continue to support

one another. This community, and the services we provide, are for you.

 

Social Media

We welcome contributions to our Facebook page, including shared photos and reflections from gatherings.  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579260522265&sk=followers

 

Instagram is in the works.

 

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 Gentle Reflection

The loss we have experienced lives not only in our thoughts,

but in our bodies. Even a brief moment of calm can help soften the heaviness we carry.

 

Place your hand gently over your heart.
Take three slow breaths—inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth.

Notice how it feels.

 

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Remember, wherever you are today, you are not alone. This community is growing—quietly, meaningfully, and with care. 

With outside support, we can continue building this work—so that no mother is alone and each one is supported with care.

I think of you often.

 

Warmly,

 

Michael’s Mom, Genny
Co-founder, Grieving Hearts

For Mothers, By Mothers

  

 

P.S. If we have not yet connected personally, I would love to speak by phone, meet for coffee, or simply exchange a text hello.