Creating Memory Gardens at Growing with Grief

On Wednesday May 8th the Growing with Grief program hosted a Mother’s Day event for families who have experienced the death of a mother, step-mother, or caregiver. Our goal with this event was to create a space for families to engage with their grief and explore within themselves, and as a family how they wanted to approach this day at this particular time in their grief journey. 

Families were invited to create “Memory Gardens” where they planted memories, notes, and special words for their person in the soil with the plant. Families decorated plant pots and added a vine to the soil with their memories and feelings. Kids pondered the room and checked-out the material eager to get started creating and art-making. Others went at their own pace and took their time to decide how they wanted to participate.

For some families it was their first time attending a Growing with Grief event. Others were familiar with staff, and our grief community.  

While one nine-year-old made art and shared memories about his mother, he shared that he learned how to go outside of his comfort zone tonight. He discovered his bravery in trying something new to him, and that it feels good when we realize we can do hard things. He asked if we host this event every Mother’s Day to which we replied “yes”! His curiosity continued and he asked if that was the case for Father’s Day as well. We confirmed that that was also true. It seemed as though he was connecting the dots in his mind that he wasn’t the only person who has experienced the death of an important person. As he said goodbye and walked down the hallway to leave, he said “See you next Mother’s Day!” This was his first time at a Growing with Grief event, and he already wanted to return. Grief is a “club” that no one wishes to be a part of. The Growing Wit Grief Program provides the gifts of a space where both your joy and pain can live, and to find a community where you feel a little less different or alone.

We are grateful for Project Give Back for donating copies of the book The Puddle Jumper written by Beverly and Ellen Schwartz. Thank you for seeing the value in grief programming and for your contribution to our Mother’s Day event. We would also like to thank members of our Youth Advisory Committee for their support in making this event a meaningful experience. 

Our next Growing with Grief event will be on June 12th for Father’s Day. If you or someone you know would benefit from joining us please visit: https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/programs/grief-and-bereavement/