My Healing Center Story

Grief touches every one of us, yet so many people face it feeling alone.

In 2001, my family suffered a devastating loss when my sister Karen was killed in a plane crash. In the days that followed, we were surrounded by an incredible outpouring of love and support. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers showed up for us in ways I will never forget. They helped carry us through those first unimaginable months.

And still, despite that support, I struggled.

I struggled to process the depth of my sadness, not only for myself, but for my nieces, brother-in-law, and my parents. We had lost someone irreplaceable. The weight of that grief, in all its layers, felt overwhelming and at times impossible to untangle.

Over time, I came to understand something I wish I’d known sooner: time doesn’t fix grief. I would never get over losing Karen, but I knew I couldn’t stay stuck in the pain of that first year. I had a husband and babies to raise, and I had to learn how to live alongside my grief rather than be overwhelmed by it.

What helped me most was connecting with others who had also experienced loss.

In those spaces, I didn’t have to pretend I was “doing okay.” I could speak honestly about my pain without fear of burdening anyone, because they understood. They had been there too. That kind of connection is powerful. It’s healing.

That is why I serve on the Board of Directors of The Healing Center.

For the past 25 years, The Healing Center has provided some of the most comprehensive grief support in Washington state. Our groups create space for people to come as they are in their grief. No expectations, no pressure to be “fine,” just compassionate support and community. It offers something I wish more people had access to in the aftermath of loss: the chance to be seen, heard, and understood by others who truly get it.

And because grieving families have enough to worry about, all our services are free. Thanks to our generous donors, The Healing Center is able to support hundreds of children, teens, adults, and seniors a year.

Please share information about The Healing Center with those who might benefit from our services. And please consider making a donation to ensure our programs are available to those who need it—now and in the future. 

Grief doesn't end, but it can be held differently when we are not carrying it alone.

Warmly, Sidney