THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 10, 1995 TAG: 9512080217
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Chesapeake Close Up
SOURCE: Janelle LaBouve
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
With the help of a support group, Joyce Bennett found the strength to resume her life after the death of her husband in 1984. The group even gave her the confidence to help others in a similar situation.
``If there was a support group in Virginia Beach (where she lived at the time) I couldn't find it,'' said Bennett who is 62.
After moving to Deep Creek three years later, she heard about Widowed Persons Services, an organization which helps people deal with the grief of losing a spouse.
``I needed some communication with other people because you can't just pull off in a little corner somewhere,'' she said. ``So I went to a meeting.''
Over the years, participation has provided more than moral support and camaraderie.
``It helped me come away with the knowledge that I was not alone in my grief,'' she said. ``I had the support of others.''
Through a 16-hour training program provided by the American Association of Retired Persons, the group's sponsor, Bennett says she gained a greater sense of personal worth. She also became one of the group's 18 volunteers. This year she has been president of the local support group which currently has about 48 members.
At least twice each month, members get together for Sunday lunch or dinner.
``It's important to be with other people so you won't feel like an outsider or the only person in the world who is going through this,'' she said.
``The biggest thing is, don't be alone,'' she said. ``Participate in an activity. Keep busy. Try to stay connected with someone else who has been bereaved.''
Full name: Joyce A. Bennett
Hometown: Cambria, Wis.
Family: Two children
Fond childhood memories: ``Growing up in a small town, where I felt free to come and go as I pleased without being afraid.''
Occupation: Part-time receptionist at College Park Chiropractic (retired in 1992 from personnel work at Navy Management Systems Support Command)
Hobbies: ``Arts and crafts. Since grade school, I have been collecting ceramic dogs and have 200 or 300 around here somewhere.''
Last book read: ``That's a hard one because I fall asleep while reading all the time. I like biographies. I guess the last one was `Get to the Heart' by Barbara Mandrell.''
Favorite song: ``I don't guess I have a favorite. I enjoy music, period.''
Favorite movie: ``I like something light so I can relax.''
Can't resist: Chocolate
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I'm still working on having more self-confidence.''
Favorite TV program: ``The Statler Brothers on Saturday nights''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``Pargo's. They have a delicious baked potato soup.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``It could be sightseeing, or doing a craft such as painting a sweat shirt, or plastic-canvas cross-stitching.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
by CNB