Upcoming Retreats
Please join us at Luella's Lodge located at 7397 E 1500 North Rd in Oakwood, Illinois for a grief support retreat. Parents of all types and age of loss are welcome; this includes miscarriage through adult children. Also, there is no "expiration" on your grief, whether your child passed away recently or many years ago, you are welcome to attend.
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Group Discussions
Being with other bereaved parents allows for a special connection and a chance to share our wonderful children. During the retreat, you will have an opportunity to participate in several whole group and small group discussions.
Meditation & Relaxation
Meditate, relax and rejuvenate through holistic practices such as yoga, massage and breathwork.
Explore the Outdoors
The Lodge sits on 10 private acres with a small private lake. We have kayaks and hiking trails to enjoy nature, allowing for reflection and meditation.
Care Packages
Parents who attend a retreat receive care packages with items like a journal for reflection, remembrance candle, cozy socks, Luella's Lodge t-shirt, self-care items and an item personalized with their beloved
child's name.
Memorial Projects and Activities
Parents have opportunities to create beautiful art to memorialize our beloved children. Examples include painting rocks & birdhouses, ceramics and beaded jewelry. Parents also have the opportunity to engage in activities to remember their children such as grief altar & bundle ritual, candle lighting and candle release.
Long-term Connection
To encourage those connections created during retreats, we host online Zoom support groups for all of our retreat alumni, which we schedule and lead. It's a great opportunity to maintain connections and to meet other parents who attended a different retreat!
What can you expect during a retreat at Luella's Lodge?
Application Process
& What to Know Before
You Apply
Please see below for upcoming Retreats. Once you know which Retreat you would like to attend, click below to fill out the application. In order to make these Retreats successful for all group participants, please read below for "What to Know Before You Apply":
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Be sure you have all your questions answered, Email carrie@luellaslodge.com for specific questions.
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Be sure you have transportation identified. We are located in Oakwood, IL which may require flight and/or other transportation arrangements. Currently, we are unable to provide transportation to and from the Retreats. The nearest large airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND) which is about an hour and a half from us. Bloomington Airport (BMI - Central Illinois Regional) is about 1 hour, 15 minutes from us. Willard Airport (CMI) is a smaller airport about 40 minutes from us. Please note that if you fly into IND, it is one hour ahead of us (different time zone).
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Be sure you can commit to the entirety of the Retreat. This makes for the best experience for all participants!
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If you'd like to let us know about any medical or psychiatric diagnoses that may impact your retreat experience, please let us know. We also request that you let us know if you're bringing a service animal. We want to ensure you are given the best accommodations possible.
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We know sharing emotions around grief can be difficult, but we ask that you be prepared to share and hold space for other grievers' stories.
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Please click here for Retreat Rates.
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If you completed an application in 2024, you do not need to complete another application for 2025; you will email carrie@luellaslodge.org and let her know which retreat you're interested in! For new applicants, click below for the Retreat Application/Registration Form. Please be prepared to pay the deposit after you complete the application to secure your spot at a retreat. Luella's Lodge is an all-volunteer organization; thank you for your patience as we respond.
Please be prepared to pay the deposit after your application is reviewed.
Retreat Schedule 2025
Connect with fellow bereaved mothers while remembering your child and engaging in meaningful activities. All grieving mothers are welcome, no matter the age or their child or how they passed away. Also, there is no "expiration" on your grief, whether your child passed away 2 months ago or 20 years ago, you are welcome to attend. Our Moms' retreats are Thursday 2:00 pm CST- Sunday 12:00 pm CST. We have 3 shared/semi-private rooms and 2 private rooms available for retreats. Dates below.
April 24-27 2025
June 26-29 2025: Moms' Retreat for Miscarriage, Stillbirth, TFMR
July 24-27 2025
September 25-28 2025 (1 shared room full)
November 6-9 2025 (CURRENTLY FULL)
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Grieving mothers, please bring your “support sister”, the person who has supported you in the wake of your loss for a retreat focusing on self-care and connection. Please note: this retreat is not intended for couples. Please see our available “Couples retreats” if interested. Our Support Sister retreats are Thursday 2:00 PM CST- Sunday 12:00 PM CST. We have 5 rooms available (you'll be sharing a room with your support sister). Dates below.
March 27-30 2025
October 9-12 2025
Connect with your significant other while honoring your grief for a couples' grief retreat. One registration form/fee required per couple. Couples will have a private room and shared bathroom. Parents of all types and age of loss are welcome; this includes miscarriage through adult children. Our Couples' retreats are Friday 2:00 PM CST -Sunday 12:00 PM CST. We have 5 private rooms available for retreats. Dates below.
May 16-18 2025
Aug 8-10 2025
We currently do not have a dads retreat scheduled for 2025 due to previous years' low sign-up. If you would be interested in attending a dads retreat at Luella's Lodge, please email carrie@luellaslodge.org.
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TESTIMONIALS
" I had the most relaxing, peaceful, healing weekend! I will absolutely recommend Luella’s Lodge to other grieving parents!"
"Getting the swag bag was such a special treat. It along with the personalized note I left in my room made me immediately feel welcome."
"5 star accommodations!"
"The beds were very comfortable. The room was very neat! I enjoyed the large windows and sitting outside (...) The lantern lighting was awesome!!"
Sample Retreat Schedule Below
Please keep in mind our schedules + activities vary between retreats.
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