Ortonville- Michael Jordan describes the first Christmas after his daughter Emily died in a 2002 Labor Day weekend accident as ‘absolutely terrible.?
‘I couldn’t focus on anything,? Jordan says. ‘Not on family, on celebrating Christmas, or anything. What I tried to do was focus on our daughter, Katie, who survived through all of that. Instead of concentrating on myself surviving, I concentrated on helping our 5-year-old to survive and what I could do to help my wife survive.?
Although he has learned time does not heal all wounds, he has found the burden of his daughter’s death, caused when a wooden swingset collapsed on her, easier to bear with the passing of time.
Now, Jordan and his wife, Beth, help others to bear the pain of losing a loved one. The couple, who lead the Hillside Bible Church Grief Care Group, will host a holiday grief support meeting from 6:30-8 p.m., Dec. 15, at the church, 173 Church St. Follow-up meetings are planned for the same time and place on Dec. 29 and Jan. 5.
‘We’re dedicating Dec. 15 to the holidays to help people find hope that they can survive one of the toughest times of the year for people who’ve gone through a major loss in their life,? Jordan said.
Details: 248-672-1882.