This weekend, at a CYO camp in the woods near the base of the Russian River, Hospice By The Bay held a deep, introspective and meaningful retreat for 53 children who’ve experienced a major loss. All of us, staff and volunteers alike, were delighted to have been there for the young ones, boys and girls aged 7 to 17, as they shared their feelings, lit candles, pinned up photos, read in bed with flashlights and in any number of ways celebrated life … amid activities like hiking, archery (a huge favorite), water ballooning, swimming, campfires…

Joe Smith and I, cabin buddies for seven 9 and 10 year old boys, had our hands full … and yet had time to talk, read, sleep and relax (sort of) while being there for children who … while having been dealt tremendous losses early in life …. were, while being vulnerable, learning to develop new friendships, talk about lost loved ones and honoring themselves while talking, listening and digesting. What an amazing experience.

Does anyone know how we might find those big inflatable ‘michelin tire’ suits that allow children to bounce into each other and laugh? If you do … please let us know!

Posted by:  Tom Verkozen