Grief Awareness

Today is National Children's Grief Awareness Day.  In the United States, 1 in 14 students will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time they reach 18 years of age and about 90% of children will experience the death of a close family member or friend.

Those are sobering statistics.

I think what stands out to me the most when I see and think about those numbers is how common it is and yet, when living through losses within your own life, nothing feels common.  Your grief is uniquely personal to you.  This often leaves grieving students feeling lonely and as if no one can understand what they are experiencing... but, look at those numbers.  Clearly you're not the only one feeling the hurt and sadness that comes when someone you love and care about has died.  

I wish none of you had to say good-bye to a loved one who has died.  There are no words that can take away the pain or make life return to the way it was, but I can promise you never have to walk through this experience alone.  I am here to listen and care and to support you as you learn to live life with grief.

As we head into the holiday season, for those students who have experienced the death of someone important to them, the holidays combined with grief can be incredibly challenging.  In recognition of the difficulties that grief during the holidays can create, we will be hosting a Holiday & Grief Workshop on December 5th for students to join in to learn more about what to expect when grieving during the holidays and ways to honor the memory of a loved one during the holidays.  If you are a student who is living with grief this holiday season, please reach out to me so that I can add you to the holiday & grief workshop list.  I'd love for you to participate with us!