A Season of Connection

Fourteen men arrived ready to cook, connect, and reflect. Together, they prepared comforting baked potato soup and buttery garlic toast before settling in for their discussion. After a brief check-in and introductions, the group was invited to share their stories. Some spoke of recent losses; others shared how long they’ve carried their grief. Each story honored the name of a loved one and the enduring love that now takes the shape of sorrow. There were tears and laughter, nods of understanding, and the quiet strength that comes from being seen and heard.



Then the kitchen came alive—just as kitchens are meant to. It was full of warmth, conversation, savory smells, and the joy that rises when people cook and eat together. The meal was simple but delicious. One guest brought a chocolate cake with “Enjoy Dinner” written across the top, a sweet and thoughtful touch that added to the sense of shared care.

Helping to host the evening was Brad Eleniak, one of our Park Memorial Managers. Though it was his first time attending this group, Brad has long been a champion of our Men’s Grief Support program. In his 33 years of funeral service at Park, he’s witnessed time and again that “men often get forgotten in the grief process.” His presence and openness to share some of his own story made the evening all the more meaningful.

After dinner, the kitchen fun continued. Inspired by a TikTok reel seen the day before, our Public Relations Coordinator Kristi Hammond put leftover bacon grease to creative use by making bacon popcorn. The verdict? A salty, crunchy, TikTok-approved hit!

As the evening drew to a close, the room was full of warmth—this time not just from the soup and popcorn, but from the hugs, handshakes, and heartfelt goodbyes. Guests lingered with gratitude, promising to return when the group resumes in September.

These words from Brad perfectly captured the spirit of the evening: “The soup was hot, the conversation was meaningful, and the warm hospitality did not go unnoticed… and created a space for connection and healing.

Every person there appreciated this event and as they left, they said how they are looking forward to the fall when they can meet up again.”

We are deeply grateful for every man who has attended Men’s Grief Support this year—for their courage to show up, speak up, and support one another. We are equally grateful for our amazing facilitators, David, Nathan, and Mike who help to create this safe space for men to connect and heal. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September. 

Our Park Memorial monthly grief support events are available September through June inclusively and are open to the community at large. To find out more about these and other events that Park Memorial hosts, please bookmark and re-visit www.parkmemorial.com/coming-events. We hope to welcome you.

Click here to learn more about our other grief support events.