Helping Children Through Grief with the Magic of Storytelling
THE CARING BEAR
Children often communicate their feelings through behavior. Misconduct or an unusual attitude may be the child’s way of saying, “I’m scared, what is happening to Grandmother,” or “I don’t understand what is going on.” These cuddly keepsakes provide security and companionship. They also come with a personal story about the bear and the impending loss of his loved one, giving the child a gentle outlet to relate to their situation.
THE CARING BEARS BILLY’S STORY
To help patients and caregivers, HPC - Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky is creating a series of books for children aged 4 to 9 that parallel stories of loss, like that of a grandparent, parent, or sibling. Beyond simply telling a story, these books offer guidance on how to start meaningful conversations centered on healthy, productive grieving practices.
Thanks to the inaugural Impact 100 Next Generation grant, HPC has been able to produce the first book in the series, entitled “The Caring Bears: Billy’s Story.” The book was authored by HPC Bereavement Coordinator Caleb Potter and illustrated by local artist Stephanie Sauerheber.
We are excited to offer this additional means of support to the communities we serve. We hope that The Caring Bears series will spread beyond our region to provide comfort and guidance to any that need it during a season of grief.
JENNY BEAR: A JOURNEY TOWARDS HEALTHY GRIEVING
Daddy Bear’s terminal cancer shatters Jenny Bear and Mommy Bear’s world, but together they find a way forward.
Their life felt nearly perfect until the discovery of Daddy Bear’s cancer. Despite Jenny Bear and Mommy Bear’s hope and the treatments the doctors try, the cancer simply won’t go away. Mommy Bear and Daddy Bear both help Jenny Bear process this incredibly difficult situation. Together, Mommy Bear and Jenny Bear take steps to cherish Daddy Bear while he is alive, which will help them grieve much more effectively after his death.
Grieving the death of a loved one is one of the most challenging journeys we will embark on in life. It brings a wide variety of emotions, questions, and lessons that can be challenging to cope with, even for an adult. This book is a helpful resource to guide you as a caregiver, help the children under your care, and grieve together in a much more transparent and productive manner.
Learn more about our other grief counseling services by visiting our Bereavement Services page.
