It’s hard to believe I launched The MRP Project a little over two months ago. I feel so blessed that it started out strong and continues to be successful!
Feedback
I’ve learned something important over the last two months; something my gut was telling me from the beginning. While I believe our bags for a boost provide emotional boosts to all recipients facing hardships, I’ve learned through recipients’ feedback that when there is a death involved, it’s best to wait a few months before sending a bag. As a result, I would ask to wait a couple months after a death before nominating a recipient.
The feedback I received from individuals who received a bag for a boost a few months or so after their loss was very similar. Many said the bags were delivered at a time when most of their initial support had gone away. They said the bags were uplifting because the items were perfect and it made them feel good to know people were still thinking about them.
I know this from my personal experience. After Mike died, I was inundated (in a good way!) with support. But inevitably, as time passed, a lot of the support went away as I began navigating on my own. So, when I got my package seven months after Mike died, it made such an impact. It gave me a real boost knowing people were still thinking about and supporting me. I was also at a point on my grief journey where I was focused on appreciating the little things in a way I wouldn’t have been capable of in the early days of my grief.
Post Traumatic Growth
In a previous newsletter, I mentioned that I read a lot shortly after Mike died. One of the things I learned was more than half the people who experience a traumatic event report at least one positive change in their lives following the event. This is called post traumatic growth.
I’ll talk in more detail about this concept in an upcoming newsletter, but I believe at the heart of my grief journey is post-traumatic growth. While I didn’t ask for this growth nor would I choose it again, the kids and I are stronger because of our tragedy. We try to be grateful for something each day. We’ve developed more meaningful and deeper relationships with family and friends. We’ve gained appreciation and learned to count the blessings we still have in our life. This is something I was working on (and still continue to work on) when I received my package.
For these reasons, in the case where someone has lost a loved one, I’d suggest waiting 3-6 months after the death to nominate a recipient, So, let’s think of some people who fit this criteria as potential bag recipients. Let me know if you know someone you’d like to nominate!
Thanks for supporting The MRP Project. Together, we’re making a difference by providing hope through social support.
I believe at the heart of my grief journey is post-traumatic growth. While I didn’t ask for this growth nor would I choose it again, the kids and I are stronger because of our tragedy. We try to be grateful for something each day. We’ve developed more meaningful and deeper relationships with family and friends. We’ve gained appreciation and learned to count the blessings we still have in our life.