Several years ago there was a teen-ager who entered the doors of Grieving Children at Seasons Centre, profoundly touching my heart and who’s story has been a personal touchstone ever since. The Centre at that time was in financial trouble and as Executive Director I was rarely able to take myself away from fund-raising and administrative tasks to spend time with our children and their families.

 “Kelly” lived with her Mother and younger sister.  Dad had left the family years before and hadn’t maintained contact.  Mom was a business woman who had been battling cancer for several years.   When it became clear that she would succumb to her illness that spring, Kelly’s Uncle flew in from out-east to be with his sister as she died.  He agreed to take Kelly and her sister home with him after Kelly’s moms’ funeral.  However, the reality of caring for two young girls began to overwhelm his family and they determined that instead, they would leave the girls with family friends and organize boarding school arrangements for that fall.

Prior to leavingBarriefor Boarding school, the girls arrived at the Centre for grief support within our “Sons & Daughters” program.  Between programs Kelly would drop by our then very crowded facilities and stand with her arms folded across her chest, figuratively trying to hold on to her life as it spun further and further out of her control, first though the loss of her mother, then her home, and soon she would be losing her school as well as daily contact with her friends.

Kelly expressed her feeling that there was no one in her life who really loved her.

And so we all doubled up in our efforts to provide hugs, smiles and support for Kelly as she began her journey of grief.  This comfort was something that Kelly clearly thrived on and as time went on, she became less frightened about her future.

The story has a positive ending as the girls’ Aunt and Uncle from Toronto decided that they would take on the raising of these two children so that Kelly and her sister would not have to be placed in a boarding school.  They would be surrounded by family as they adjusted emotionally, to regenerate a sense of self and reconstruct their devastated world.

I have never forgotten Kelly and have been inspired each day to ensure that the Centre remains open for all those other Kelly’s who may not have someone who really loves them in their lives during what may be the most difficult situation they ever have to face.