Hello, FOP Family,
Thank you for checking in. How are you today? Please let us know.
On a personal note
Last week marked the 15 year anniversary of my Aunt Andrea's passing. I, Maria, was living in L.A. at the time and couldn't get back quickly enough to see her before she died. She was the one who gave me information about USC's film school when she knew I wanted to be a filmmaker. She was the one who told me I wasn't a failure when I had to return to USC to retake a class (after my grandma had passed). It was a painful time, for many reasons, but also one marked by healing. In my mom's case, healing with her sister in the last 10 days of her life.
Check out our first episode of "Healing Through Grief" (further below) to hear from my mom Leslie, in her own words--what her sister meant to her and what her journey through grief not only took from her, but gave to her.
EVENTS
In the U.S., there is little time allotted for grief. For those in precarious situations, often no time. Even with grief support groups, access to trained therapists, and other critical resources, those having experienced loss can get stuck in their pain, remain in the past, or attempt to push forward without truly healing. And without telling the stories that can help others move forward in their journeys as well.
That is why we have partnered with Chaplain Candi Wuhrman, MA, MJS, BCC, a Board-Certified Jewish and Multicultural Chaplain, longtime Hospice Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor, Grief Transformation Guide, and author of the recently released memoir: "Moxie: A Hospice Chaplain's Journey Through Grief."
Together, we're offering a free event THIS SUNDAY, 10/5/25 at 5pm CT.
Want to take time and make space to honor your grief? Be it from the loss of a loved one or otherwise? Join us for Healing Your Story Through Grief, an online presentation, workshop & storytelling hour, where our community gains free support to process our grief, and heal through the power of storytelling.
Attendees can expect to:
- learn how grief, though widely misunderstood, can unlock healing, growth, and connection
- hear inspirational stories about journeys through grief
- have dedicated quiet time with writing prompts
- have an opportunity to participate in/observe a brief workshop
- have access to additional resources
Learn more & RSVP here. And please kindly tell a friend who would benefit.
PROJECTS
Our “Healing Through Grief” YouTube series is beginning to capture layered stories about people’s journeys through grief, in English y español, across generations and cultures--showing how grief can actually lead to healing.
Healing through Grief: Stories that Foster Healing and Hope (ep. 1)
Leslie Doctor's Story | Honoring Her Sister’s Memory
In this deeply moving episode, we are honored to share the story of Leslie Doctor—Maria's beloved mother & Fields of Plenty, Inc. Secretary, fifteen years after her sister Andrea passed.
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Resonate with Leslie's journey? Let us know, and we'll pass along your message. Want to share your story, but need some support to take the next step? Please reach out. We'd love to come alongside you.
Healing through Grief: Stories that Foster Healing and Hope (ep. 2 clip)
Verona Xanders' Story | Honoring Her Son’s Memory
Here is a preview of that powerful interview, recorded in June 2025.
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PARTNERSHIPS
Call for stories: We are looking for more of these types of stories for our new YouTube series and newsletter. We know some of you may only be ready to tell your story for your own personal healing, and maybe also your family. However, if you are interested in sharing your story publicly (or parts of it), to help others gain wisdom and strength from your journey, please let us know.
We’re actively seeking partnerships to expand our project as well. Do you represent a community with stories of grief and healing to share? We’d love to hear from you too.
FAVORITE THINGS
Here is our growing list of recommendations for movies, books & other things we like…this time catered to the theme of grief and healing.
- Movie rec: Philomena (2013). Read more about this British dramedy based on a true story in our post here, and let us know what you think.
- Book rec: Moxie: A Hospice Chaplain's Journey Through Grief (2025). Read more about Chaplain Candi Wuhrman's book here, and let us know what you think. We'd be happy to pass along your kind words.
GOOD NEWS
- Livestream client: We are grateful to the Schroeder Family for entrusting us to livestream their dear father's funeral. (Read more in the blog below.)
- Google reviews: We recently received two Google reviews and are super grateful for these endorsements. We don't take them for granted!
BLOG
We started a blog to share updates and reflections from our own journeys. But also to help you, members of our community, open up and tell your story.
Want to share from your heart with our community? Let us know! In the meantime, here's our latest blog article from a recent event we covered.
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The Importance of Planting Seeds
by Maria & Asher, 10/01/25
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Community notices
Join us: plant seeds of hope with stories of hope. If you know of someone who would benefit from this newsletter, please kindly pass it along. In the meantime, take care. And look out for the next newsletter in a month.
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe to our newsletter here, then confirm your subscription (emailed to you). You will receive a free "How to Tell Your Story" resource as a token of our thanks.
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