WauMara Chapter of The Compassionate Friends marks 25 years

More than 25 years ago, Sue Fox was traveling back and forth to Tomahawk attending support meetings for grieving parents. Those meetings were her critical means of survival following the death of her son David, and then another son, Bill.

Then in June of 1987, Sue felt a need for more, for her and the other parents who were also trying to live with life's greatest heartache. It was at that time that Sue provided a lifeline to the north central areas of Wisconsin. Sue, along with two other bereaved parents (Tom Peterson and Terri Helgeson),gathered for their very first meeting of The Compassionate Friends (TCF), in Wausau.

The only requirement for TCF members was that they were grieving a child's death, and those initial three members met that painful criteria. Sue chose the name of WauMara for the local chapter because it was created for families in the areas of Wausau, Marathon County, and beyond.

Now, 25 years later, Sue Fox, and the TCF WauMara Chapter, celebrated our 25th anniversary on June 20, 2012. The celebration remembered and honored all our children who have died. Marathon Park's Big Kitchen Shelter was chosen by the planning committee as a location for the remembrance ceremony. Needless to say, much planning and work was required to pull it off. Invitations went out to everyone on the WauMara mailing list. Newspapers and television were notified. Food and picnic supplies were planned and prepared. Candle lighting, balloons, and music were arranged. Reservations were recorded. It was a busy time for Sue and her helpers! It was also a perfect day for such an event - despite the weatherman's prediction of possible rain.

Many people and their families attended this special event on that gorgeous, sunny day in June. Everyone brought a dish to pass, and the food was generous and plentiful. There was a huge, specially decorated 25th anniversary cake, commemorative TCF pens, TCF bracelets, and other items that were donated for the occasion. Everyone pitched in to help make it so special for all that attended. Beautifully decorated candles, with our children's names on them, were also provided. All arrangements were perfect! Sue initiated a very memorable candle-lighting remembrance ceremony as the clouds quickly gathered overhead. She also arranged the balloon release just moments before the Heavens showered us with some much needed and expected rain.

That ceremony could only touch the surface of the level of gratitude that WauMara grieving parents have for Sue (and her husband Jerry) for so lovingly giving so many years to this chapter. Her time and dedication to TCF families, who have lost their beloved children, has been limitless. All the listening, counseling, organizing, and praying, while always knowing just the right words of consolation, came from Sue. The ongoing willingness to set her own agenda aside for those who were grieving was pure unselfishness. Sue also organized and attended almost every meeting during those 25 years, in spite of her own family's unexpected happenings and illnesses. After so many years of unflinching dedication to countless grieving parents and families, Sue recently announced that she is passing leadership of the WauMara chapter to another capable, caring, compassionate, bereaved parent, Beth Anne Rekowski.

Sue will continue to serve as chapter leader through the December 2012 meeting. So for everyone who wants to thank Sue for her 25+ years of service, and wish both her and Jerry well, you are welcome to attend the December TCF meeting. It will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 19, beginning at 7 p.m., in the Medallion Dining Room of Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

No words can convey our love and appreciation for all that Sue has done for each one of us! Thank you so much, Sue (and Jerry) Fox!

TCF is a national organization, with more than 640 chapters, offering hope, friendship, and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members, after a child has died. TCF meetings are held in all 50 states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and in more than 30 countries around the world. TCF's worldwide presence gives desperately needed support for life's most difficult struggle - the death of a child.