Thursday, November 20, 2014

HopeWorks - Children's Grief Awareness Day


Children’s Grief Awareness Day (or Blue Day) is observed the third Thursday of November (which is also the Thursday before Thanksgiving) every year. This year it will be on November 20th. Children’s Grief Awareness Day is a day focused on recognizing and supporting the children all around us who have experienced the death of a loved one. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the painful impact that the death of a loved one has in the life of a child.  It also provides the opportunity to make sure that these children receive the support they need and that they feel and see that hope and healing can be achieved.

“Before they graduate from high school, one child out of every 20 children will have a parent die—and that number doesn't include those who experience the death of a brother or sister, a close grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or friend.” (www.childrensgriefawarenessday.org) Bereaved children are often referred to as the "forgotten mourners.”

Children’s Grief Awareness allows us to acknowledge and advocate that ANY child that is old enough to love is old enough to mourn. We can all work together to be advocates and teach other adults how children are natural mourners, but that they still need the love and support of caring adults. This day allows us to highlight what some of the special needs of grieving children are and help others create and find places where children experiencing grief are safe to openly and authentically mourn. If children can mourn well and learn to cope with their loss, they’ll go on to live and love well.

There are a couple of ways you can get involved this Thursday and participate in this special day including wearing blue and letting others know what it represents. On Thursday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rays of Hope will be hosting an art exhibit called “Grief through the Eyes of a Child.” I encourage you to attend the art exhibit and learn more about supporting children who have experienced loss and change. There will be food available if you go during your lunch hour, and I personally will be there all day. Be sure to come say hello!

It has been an honor to become a part of the Rays of Hope family. Myself and the fabulous HopeWorks Committee ask that you help us in spreading the word about National Blue Day!

Related links:

Bethany Campbell, a very special Rays of Hope participant and volunteer, shares her story. http://childrengrieve.org/grief-unexpected-journey



Big Bird Explains death in children’s terms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxlj4Tk83xQ

A short video of hope for Children’s grief awareness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_jHcZsi02A
 
-Ellen Wheeler, Active

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