Sheila Sobral has developed a couple of interesting ways of looking at life and death following the loss of her daughter in May.
Sobral, lives near the Carter/Greenup County line and is well known locally from her years as former owner of The Country Market and more recently as General Manager for Dionysus Beverage Sales. Her daughter, Catherine "Cat" Rebekah Sobral passed on May 8, 2021 at their home.
She was 25 years old.
"I won't force my views on people, but I will share why I'm not in a puddle somewhere, or still in my bed," Sobral said this week as she prepared to welcome guests to "Experience Good Grief On Wednesdays" (E.G.G.O.W. for short) from 5:30 until 7:30 P.M. at Grayson Gallery & Art Center.
The casual meeting series will be focused on bringing together people who are grieving in their own ways, with a few homemade brownies, coffee and even board games to make the experience more inviting.
"We wanted a comfortable place where people could open up and share," she said, explaining the local art gallery offers a more informal space which will hopefully encourage participants to express their feelings and possibly share art related to their loss.
"You don't have to get up and say anything. No one will be asked to tell their story. It won't be like an AA style meeting. If you want to talk, we will pause and listen to you," Sobral said.
For Wednesday evening's first gathering Sobral said she wants to keep things comfortable, and have some of the eclectic music from her daughter's Spotify playlist going in the background.
Reflecting the space, Sobral said she will encourage people to bring any form of art related to their emotions, as well as works created by people who've passed. Otherwise, participants are not asked to bring anything (light refreshments will be available) and there are no fees or costs involved.
Sobral is sharing notices about "Experience Good Grief On Wednesdays" on her personal Facebook page, as well as through "The Cat Project" page on the same site.
Grayson Gallery & Art Center is located in the former Grayson Fire Department at the corner of Third Street and Carol Malone Boulevard in Grayson.
Story and Photo by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post