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DivorceCare: Lending a helping hand for the holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The trials of divorce and the festivities of the holidays aren't generally thought of together, but the pain of this reality is true for some, service members included.

The chapel staff and Team Shaw leadership are aware of the struggle and trials recently divorced Team Shaw members may have to face during the holiday season and don't want them to feel they must face it alone.

On Nov. 17 Team Shaw will host a DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays class in the Palmetto Chapel annex facilitated by Robert Sexton, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs photojournalist.

The class consists of a 40-minute video containing practical tips on how to manage the holiday season. The video also contains testimonials and personal accounts of individuals who have experienced divorce during the holiday season.

After the video is shown, an open forum discussion will be available for those who wish to share their testimonies or trials and struggles.

"This year's holiday season will be the first time that I'm facing it single and away from all my family members," Sexton explained. "Honestly, I'm not looking forward to the experience. With two marriages totaling nearly 40 years behind me, I've been alone now for more than six months, and it isn't my choosing. I've battled confusion, loneliness and emotional ups and downs."

The class is designed to foster support between those who are experiencing similar situations during the holidays.

"I want to share my struggles and victories with others in similar circumstances," he added. "I don't teach. Experts and survivors teach via topical videos. I just lead the sessions and discussion."

For more information on the DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays curriculum and their other programs visit www.divorcecare.org/holiday/events.