When a person dies, they generally leave behind someone who loved them. Sometimes those left are kids.
For years, the Venango County Visiting Nurses Association, through its hospice program, has opened its hearts to this young population.
Using their expertise in helping families through very difficult times, they brought kids together for Camp Good Grief, Horses for Healing and Hope for the Holidays. The events are geared toward supporting one another through a series of activities designed to address the many different aspects of grief.
For years, the Venango County Visiting Nurses Association, through its hospice program, has opened its hearts to this young population.
Using their expertise in helping families through very difficult times, they brought kids together for Camp Good Grief, Horses for Healing and Hope for the Holidays. The events are geared toward supporting one another through a series of activities designed to address the many different aspects of grief.
COVID put a hold on these events, but the organizers are bringing the kids together once again.
Saturday at Two Mile County Park a dozen or so youngsters shared in play, crafts, discussions and a Thanksgiving dinner as part of the Hope for the Holidays program.
This year’s theme was “snowflakes.”
Saturday at Two Mile County Park a dozen or so youngsters shared in play, crafts, discussions and a Thanksgiving dinner as part of the Hope for the Holidays program.
This year’s theme was “snowflakes.”
The organizers explained how the loss of a loved one, or even a pet, is a personal journey. “Just like snowflakes. No two (experiences of grief) are the same. Like snowflakes, each person's grief journey is unique and yet we are not alone,” said Jennifer Horn, one of the event organizers. “Just like snowflakes, sometimes grief comes in one flake at a time. Other times, it comes like a blizzard. Our grief journey can also feel like an unexpected snowstorm, as intense feelings may unexpectedly appear but gradually lighten. Eventually, snowflakes melt away, similar to the way the feelings we experience on our grief journey can change.”
The kids created an ornament and a framed bit of art using beach glass to take home. They also took a short hike and wrote the name or names of their loved ones in the sand of the park’s beach. At the conclusion of the day, they sat around the campfire to reflect on things they learned about dealing with their own personal loss.
Organizer Kim Slater Hile spoke with the kids about how to deal with the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, emphasizing that their grandparent, parent or friend would want them to be joyful. "It's OK to have fun and be happy during the holidays."
RSS Feed