Got ARFF?

joy and sorrow

There isn't much that I can do,
But I can share an hour with you,
And I can share a joke with you...
As on our way we go.
Maude V. Preston

Today was my fourth day of running a grief group with an intern from the Tamarack Grief Center. The group members are all elementary students who have lost a parent, grandparent, or other close relative. Today we each shared a picture or an object that reminds us of our loved one. I shared a picture of my dad and I in front of the cabinets my dad built in my kitchen in Alaska. I also shared a picture of my mom on her 85th birthday. As we each shared our memories, we were brought close to tears, but in the sharing there was also much joy and laughter. What a gift it was to hear the children's stories.

So often in my teaching or counseling I want to do some tangible thing to help a student do better. Today's group reminded me that sometimes there is nothing I can do but be there with them as they make their way in the world. And in that there is joy.