Invisible

Last weekend we had a wonderful family camp come in sponsored by Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  They were from Star Shine, a hospice program and each family had lost a child.  It was so cool to work with them and be there to make their day and give their families a chance to be together and meet others like them.

I cried a lot.  Some of the leaders of the weekend did an orientation with us before the families arrived to help us learn about their program, what to expect, and general do's and don'ts when working with grieving families.  They also shared the families stories, from their own words.

One thing they said hit me hard.  When families are dealing with a crisis and going through difficult times everyone responds differently.  A child can slip below the radar of their parents by being the perfect child - getting good grades and having it all together.  Or looking like they do.  It's their way of trying not to add to the pile of things going on.  But within that they can suppress their own needs and create a disconnect with the family.

It's a way to be invisible.  Don't forget about anyone.  Check in with them.  Find ways to show that you are there and that you love them.