Carol Raschke In 2000 when my husband and I moved to Cookeville ,we got involved in the Putnam County Anti-Drug and Anti-Violence Coalition (now known as the Power of Putnam)at it's inception. We met Paula King, Patty Dickens and Jill Horner, three of the women involved in laying groundwork for Heart of the Cumberland. When my husband died in 2006 I became aware of how important it is to have caring friends to talk with and to share my feelings and grief. So Paula, Patty, and Jill, being three of those who encouraged me, allowed me to sit in on some of the meetings that led to HOTC's establishment. Having benefited myself from this kind of sharing, I was on board right away to help in any way I could. I currently co-facilitate in an adult grief group and volunteer in the HOTC office twice a week.
In working with the Heart of the Cumberland, I get so much more back than I can ever give. To see the support and interaction of the group participants really cheers me. There is a difference between sympathy and empathy, as every one knows. Although they are both very comforting, there is a whole other level of understanding from someone who has walked the road of grief before us. They understand. They know how we feel. We can truly learn from them and know that we are not alone. I have seen our members gain strength from each other, and more importantly from God. Finding Him to be our constant companion through His Spirit,(and through those others in group that He uses to comfort, teach and guide us) helps us walk through that dark valley of grief. The participants, volunteers, board members, and director, have also encouraged me. Last fall my oldest son died of a heart attack. Those loving people prayed for me, hugged me, and were used by God to comfort me. This organization has been needed for a long time, and God is blessing it beyond measure. I am proud to be a small part of it. It is a pleasure and honor to work with such a Spirit of Christ filled group of men and women. I am blessed to be a member of this loving organization.