This doesn’t exactly fit our bucket-list-story mold, but we couldn’t help but share it. As we’ve said before, most of our bucket-list wishes come to us in response to the question, “What’s most important to you today?” We didn’t ask that question of these teenagers, but still they told us how important it was to them to help other kids through a loss. After all, who better than a teenager who’s been through it herself?
Have you ever tried to buy a sympathy card for a child or teenager who’s lost a loved one? It’s very hard to find something that fits.
Handmade sympathy card made by teen who has lost a loved one.
Our bereavement coordinator, Nora Brashear, LCSW, recently went in search of such cards. When she came back empty-handed, she decided to go to the experts.
Luckily, we have access to some brilliant teens who’ve been through it and know first-hand what works. Nora asked two of them what they found most helpful, and they agreed that the homemade cards they received from other kids were the ones that most lightened the load.
Two of these teenagers talked with Nora about making cards for our hospice to use with children. One is a 13-year-old who lost a parent suddenly a few years ago. Another is a 17-year-old who recently lost a sibling. Both of them have received grief counseling through our Bereavement Outreach program, and both were delighted to put their arts-and-crafts skills to work for other kids who are grieving.
Handmade sympathy card made by teen who wants to help another through loss.
Nora used grant funds to purchase the card-making supplies, gave them to the two teens, and they went to work. These photos are of the first set of cards they’ve completed. We thought they did an outstanding job!
Nora and the rest of our bereavement staff will use the cards with the children of our hospice patients, and also with children in the community who come to us for grief and loss support.
We’re so happy to have these cards on-hand, but we’re even happier that two special teens used their own losses to help make another child’s loss a bit easier.
Handmade sympathy card made by teen who has lost loved ones.
Hospice Care Plus provides exceptional, compassionate care for individuals with serious and advanced illness; while honoring dignity, ensuring comfort, and celebrating life.
Our Service Area:
Our hospice home program serves you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
A New Name, The Same Compassionate Mission
News & Events
Poems of Remembrance & Hope, by Chaplain Sally Iseral
I share these two poems from past memorial ceremonies in the hope that they offer comfort and hope during the holidays. Remember, we at Hospice Care Plus are always here for you.
Donna Tapley Retires After 27 Years
On Nov. 26, Donna Tapley retired from Hospice Care Plus after 27 years of service. Only one other employee has served longer. She’s contributed to many milestones, and the bonds she’s formed with coworkers, patients, and family members will never be forgotten.
Online Support for Grief and Loss
We hope these online resources offer insight and comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, as well as those who wish to support them. They include suggestions from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, our grief and loss support staff, and organizations dedicated to grief support. What’s Your Grief…
HCP Launches New Website
Hospice Care Plus has launched a re-design of the hospicecareplus.org website. The new design provides visitors with a more informative and user-friendly experience and easy access to the support, resources, and education needed to make informed health and caregiving decisions when faced with serious illness. The site was specifically designed for family caregivers looking for…