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“I miss Captain and Ginger” is a frequent thing you will hear Lyla say. Captain and Ginger were our two 12-year-old Siberian Huskies. Bryan and I got them off the plane from our honeymoon. “Can I get sick and die from this?” is something you might hear from one of my older children. About a year and a half ago, our children (and Bryan and I) lost their grandfather, aunt, and our two dogs, all within a few months. The trauma and fear of death have remained with my children. We still spend time as a family working through it. 

I am sharing my story because, over the past two weeks, several of our Lower School families have experienced loss. As I talk to each family, I am reminded that there is no easy way to talk about death with adults or with children. It never gets easier. It is sad and painful and, for kids, pretty confusing. After the hugs and tears, I have found this resource to be the most helpful. Healthychildren.org recommends that, as parents we can:

• remind our children that not everyone who gets sick will die
• reassure your children of your health
• let your children know how many people in their lives care for them
• do things to reduce their anxiety and be sensitive that they may not want to talk about the deceased because it is too painful
• take care of yourself and make sure that you have someone to support you

This resource is certainly not the only answer, but it did help me and my family. Grief and missing our loved ones come in waves. It never really goes away. During the time when the grief is most abundant and during the times when it sneaks up out of the blue for your child (or even you!), we, your Tatnall community are here for you.