Peggy's Story

By Marie Cherry, United Way intern

“Time does not heal, it is what you do with that time.” Peggy Arsenio not only says these words but lives them through her experiences at Catholic Charities Life Transitions. 

When Peggy lost her husband of 25 years to cancer, she didn’t know where to turn until she received a phone call from Catholic Charities telling her of the support services available. The program offers help to adults, children, and families who are suffering from grief and loss.

Through the program, Peggy participated in sessions that included speakers and sharing her experience with others. Through her participation, and with the constant help of Catholic Charities Life Transitions, she was able to listen to others, find herself, and ultimately heal her broken heart.  Peggy experienced firsthand the positive impact it can make for people who are grieving a loss. She says, “I’m not that broken person anymore.”

Years after Peggy completed the program, her fiancé died in a car accident.  From her experience, Peggy knew she could overcome this tragic loss with the guidance of the same program. Peggy knew the tools she learned could help her keep going, and that support system would always be there. Peggy says, “The healing is so gradual, you never know when it took place but it’s actually something you can see.”

Peggy’s journey at Catholic Charities Life Transitions didn’t stop there. After participating in the program, Peggy became a volunteer facilitator and has been for the past 15 years. Peggy has had the opportunity to help others through their journeys by relating to and validating what they are experiencing. She knows that having someone there to listen makes these very difficult experiences just a little bit easier. Peggy enjoys leading the special sessions on rebuilding your life after loss to show that it is possible to laugh, to love, and to live again. She always asks her participants, “What are you going to do? It’s your call.”

Peggy is very thankful for all that the program has done for her and she loves being able to give back. With the help of United Way’s support, Life Transitions has helped many others that have come through Catholic Charities doors.