The Los Alamos community is invited to a unique and powerful event designed to foster empathy, connection, and understanding through personal stories of grief. Hosted in collaboration with Los Alamos Library, Los Alamos County Social Services, Los Alamos Courts, and JJAB, this event will take place on Friday, March 28, from 5:45 – 8:00 p.m. at Mesa Public Library in Los Alamos.

Grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, but it extends far beyond that—touching experiences such as the loss of identity, marriage, religion, retirement, community, freedom, health, and even the loss of dreams or innocence. Many in the community are navigating grief in different forms, and this event seeks to provide a space for reflection, connection, and healing.

We are bringing in five trained facilitators who will guide attendees through an exploration of the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—through their own lived experiences. Participants will engage in small-group listening circles, learning directly from those who have walked the path of grief. The evening will conclude with a collective reflection, providing an opportunity to process lessons learned and find comfort in shared experiences.

The facilitators are:

• Lori Padilla, LPCC, Mental Health/Grief Therapist, Grief Group Facilitator speaking on the topic of  Denial/Insulation
• Dr. Robert Fuselier, Retired veterinarian, Chaplain speaking on the topic of Anger/Protest
• Jenn Bartram, Sr. Chaplain, Grief Group Facilitator speaking on the topic of  Bargaining/Connecting the Dots
• Cari Mace, Certified Grief Educator, Grief Group Facilitator speaking on the topic of Depression/Sadness/Surrender
• Anita Barela, Buddhist Chaplain and Grief Group Facilitator speaking on the topic of  Acceptance/Acknowledgement

The event will be held after regular library hours and requires registration due to limited space. Fifty participants age 18 and up  can register below. If community interest is high, additional opportunities may be offered in the future. Light refreshments will be served. 

Join Us in Building a More Compassionate Community! This event is not a grief group, but rather a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, deepen understanding, and cultivate compassion through shared experiences. 

For those seeking ongoing grief support, free resources are available. Join an online grief support group offered by Los Alamos Visiting Nurses, Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations, and Golden Willow retreat: https://www.goldenwillowretreat.org/grief-support-groups/.