HILMAR — As the holiday season draws to a close, it’s time to put away the decorations and until next year and get ready to face the new year ahead.

That’s not always so easy for those suffering the loss of a loved one — especially during the holidays.

Hilmar Covenant Church, through the GriefShare program, is offering a free 13-week support program with licensed marriage/family/child therapist Carolyn Scott Ahlem.

“That’s why I start the sessions in January,”  said Ahlem, referring to the difficulty many have dealing with grief during the holidays. 

“This is for anyone who is dealing with the loss of a human being, whether it’s a spouse or a relative or a friend. And it doesn’t have to be a traumatic or unexpected death. Just the lost of a love one through death.”

The 90-minute sessions will begin Sunday, starting at 5 p.m., at Hilmar Convent Church’s Family Center Chapel, 20056 American Ave. The sessions conclude March 30.

Ahlem, a Michigan native and a graduate of the University of Michigan, came to California and taught English at Turlock High before continuing her own education. She had a private practice as a psychotherapist in Modesto. She lost her husband of 48 years in 2018. Before that, the couple lost two children. 

“I have an understanding about this kind of loss,” said Ahlem.

GriefShare is part seminar and part support group. The seminar portion is presented through 30-minute videos, providing teaching on topics related to death and grief. The 60-minute support group segment allows participants to talk through issues and feelings related to their own grief.

The first session will deal with the question: Is this normal?

“In the first session, we’ll be talking about the normal expressions of grief.”