words of comfort/wisdom needed for my teenage godchildren please.

[mckenzie]

They have had a really rotten run of it these last 2 years losing three close family members (one of whom was only young). Now, already 2009 has turned bad as their Nan died yesterday. I am writing to them tonight and I'm getting lost for words (they are a tad too far away to visit). One is a very mature 14 year old, the other is a very sensitive 12 year old.

Anything to suggest?

TIA

That they are not alone. My own children when they were younger went through my divorce at the same time as there nan died. They got grief councelling and suport from the local hospice. You could possibly look into it for them or get a perant to do it. It really helped them to express how they were feeling in there different ways. Childline might be an avenue as well. But make sure they no that the are not the only kids who go through it. Also weather they beleive it or not there father God is grieving with them and wants to carry them through this.

thanks Renni

Ditto to what Rennie said.

When newly bereaved, I also found it very valuable to have people talk about/write about the person who had died, as well. It can be so comforting to simply read that 'Your nan was a lovely person.'

You could also put into words some of the things they may be feeling, thereby giving them 'permission' to acknowledge those feelings for themselves . . .ie 'it must be hard to believe that you have lost another family member, whilst you are so young. You have been through so much over the last two years, and may find yourself feeling confused, angry, sad - or a bit of all of these feelings. Don't be afraid to talk to someone about they way you are feeling.'

HTH

thanks very much NQGup. That's exactly what I was trying to get across. You've worded it perfectly. I'm glad I didn't send last nights versions as I shall start again now. thank you

i'm with pen and paper again. Any more ideas please? TIA