Archive for March 2011
The Ride of Her Life
Dorothy Fortenberry lost her dad in 1986 at the age of seven. At the time of his death, he was teaching her how to ride a bike. In this month’s Real Simple magazine, Dorothy talks about what finally got her back on the bike and loving to ride. Click here to read her story. Learning…
Read MoreKaitlyn… she ROCKS!
Last night Kate’s Club honored this year’s Child Champion, Kaitlyn Benitez. Her sister passed away in 2003, and on April 1, 2007 her older brother Christian was killed in automobile accident. In spite of the fact that her young life has been filled with much loss, Kaitlyn’s resilient spirit lives on in their memory. This…
Read MoreDinner of Champions
Tonight is a big night for Kate’s Club… it is the annual Dinner of Champions. (For those of you who are new readers of the blog… if it were not for Kate’s Club, this blog would not exist) The dinner will honor five Champions and celebrate Kate’s Club’s work to empower children and teens facing life after…
Read MoreA Note
We have talked about the power of words when grieving… what to say, what not to say. When a friend or family member loses someone they love, putting into writing these thoughts can be difficult. But, the support and love the friend or family member feels is incredibly meaningful and an important part of the…
Read MoreThe Birthday, The Anniversary…
How do you honor the memory of a loved one? Below is a list of celebration suggestions for days of significance that you will always associate with them. Eat a meal at one of their favorite restaurants or prepare their favorite meal at home. Release a balloon with a message to the loved one. Plant a…
Read MoreExplaining Death
For many children questions about death begin long before it hits close to home. News worthy events, such as this past Friday’s tsunami in Japan, that are discussed in the classroom and around the dinner table are opportunities not just to teach about what death is, but how to appropriately deal with the emotions that come along…
Read MoreMemory Garden
Now that spring is upon us, if you have considered planting a memory garden, it is the perfect time. Memory gardens can be as large or small as you want them be, and can be located anywhere from a residence to a school or even a park. Memory Garden in Bloom One of the most…
Read MoreJennifer Hudson's Journey
In 2004 Jennifer Hudson first became a household name as a contestant on American Idol. She then rose to superstardom in 2006 when her performance as Effie in Dreamgirls won her an Academy Award. Her debut album followed in 2008. Tragically, just when her career was beginning to take-off, her mother, brother, and nephew were murdered. A…
Read MoreWill to Live
In addition to Grief Awareness Day and Kate’s Club being recognized by the state legislature last Tuesday, the Trautwein Family had an opportunity to share with the house about their foundation, Will to Live. The Trautwein Family at the State Capitol The Trautweins established the foundation on October 15, 2010 in celebration of their son…
Read MoreWhy People Write About Grief
Recently the New York Times ran an interview with Joyce Carol Oates and Meghan O’Rourke. Each have written first-person-accounts about coping with the loss of a loved one. (Joyce lost her husband and Meghan lost her mother.) In the article they share how their memories became books. Joyce’s book, “A Widow’s Story“, was published in February. Meghan’s…
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