16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Working Through It During National Grief Awareness Month, a reminder that nobody needs to grieve alone. By Cristal Santana FORUM Every Saturday morning at 8am, I have the privilege of welcoming people from across Monterey County into a free online grief support group held entirely in Spanish. Some participants come ready to talk. Others arrive with questions. Some simply listen. I always remind them that listening is also participating in these 90-minute sessions. For many people in our Hispanic community, talking about grief or mental health can feel uncomfortable. Finding grief support in Spanish can be even harder. That’s why this group, offered through the Papillon Center for Loss & Transition, is so important. It isn’t just about offering services in Spanish—it is about creating a space where people feel understood, respected and safe enough to grieve in their own way. Many people ask me if I can help them feel like themselves again. My response is always honest: I don’t have all the answers. What I can offer is a place where they can show up exactly as they are, express their feelings without judgment, and never feel the need to apologize for their tears. One of the most meaningful moments for me is when participants begin supporting one another. They share their own experiences, offer words of encouragement, and talk about what has helped them move forward. Those conversations remind everyone in the group that while grief can feel incredibly isolating, they are not alone. That simple realization can make all the difference. As we recognize National Grief Awareness Month this August, I encourage anyone who is grieving to practice something we often forget: kindness toward ourselves. Grief is messy. I often describe it as a tornado or as a plate of spaghetti. It doesn’t move in a straight line, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. We often expect ourselves to be stronger or recover faster than is realistic. Instead, I encourage people to remind themselves they are doing the best they can. Doing your best may look different than it did before loss. It may be getting out of bed, taking a shower, stepping outside to feel the sunshine, reaching out to a trusted friend or mental health professional, or smiling without guilt. It may mean simply reminding yourself: “I am doing the best I can in this moment.” If you or someone you know is grieving, there is support available. In addition to the Spanish-language group on Saturdays, Papillon offers free, professionally led support groups in English, individual grief counseling for children and teens, “Grief 101” educational sessions, peer grief companionship and more. All are offered at no cost. Our Spanish adult grief group meets online every Saturday at 8-9:30am. It is open to all Monterey County residents, and there is no commitment. Whether you need to share your story or simply listen, you are welcome. Because no one should have to grieve alone. Cristal Santana is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical counselor at Papillon Center for Loss & Transition. Learn more at (800) 214-5439 or papilloncenter.org. OPINION While grief can feel incredibly isolating, participants are not alone. The whole list. A fraction of the price. Supplies, uniforms, layers, dorm gear — the entire back-to-school checklist is waiting at Goodwill Central Coast, across all three counties. Smart shopping that funds free job training for your neighbors. A win worth wearing. Start the hunt → Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 07/14/2026. The dividend rate and APY may change at any time. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum deposit for the 19-month certificate special is $500. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. This certificate is not extended to organization accounts. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. 0726-MTW Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited-time offer 4.15% with a Term Savings Certificate Earn up to APY1
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