Mel was just 10 years old when her dad sadly died. The support she received from HOLG not only helped her through this difficult time, but also inspired her to help other young people through after death of a parent. Now 14, Mel has composed a beautiful poem which you can read below about her bereavement, and plans to also write a book. She hopes that through sharing her thoughts and feelings in this way, other bereaved children will relate to her experiences and feel that they are not alone, as she explains:

“Why did I write this poem? Specifically, I wanted to design a book dedicated to children in need of support; my poem should represent a hand on their shoulder for young people that aren’t in the right place.

“I did not expect to tell my depth of life, but I will. Over the years, starting from age 10 when my father passed. Everyone who’s lost someone knows that spike of grief digging its way into your life, before you could even feel it starting. Overall, I learnt the hard way of living.

“My mother herself struggled along with my older sister, it was hard to comfort one another but we stayed strong and will continue to push through till the end.

“Over the months of grief and the deep feeling of desperation for recognition, therapy was my only option, and yet why did I still feel like this?

“It even took me a while to change my mindset, which was needed.  

“Grief changes you.  It always will and when it does, you can either let it take control of you or let it change you, for the better of our lives.

“Grief comes with everything non comforting – shock, despair, suffering, anything that will ruin your day, but it also comes with grace. Grace isn’t something to take for granted, the peace that connects everything back in its place.  Everyone will find grace.  You just have to let things change, even though we never want it to.”

HELP & SUPPORT
If you know a child like Mel, who has experienced a bereavement and you think we can help them, please get in touch. Our support ranges from telephone and video support, one-to-one sessions, bereavement weekends as well as parent support groups alongside, and bereavement cafés which are offered to families after initial support.

You can make a referral for a child here.

We also have a list of recommended books on subjects including the death of a parent which you might find helpful for explaining death and grief to children of different ages.