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Š 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The opinions expressed in this book are those of the author only and not those of York College of Pennsylvania. This book is an experimental class project for purely educational design purposes. Design by Kendra Miller Printed by www.lulu.com
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for you Kendra Miller
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This journal is for __________________________ (your name here)
Grief is something everyone experiences differently, but it always hurts. Healing takes time and effort, but in the end you will find that you have grown as a person. This journal is for you to voice your thoughts, and help you through the grieving process. May it bring you comfort, healing, and growth through the hard times.
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What is journaling? Memories are the treasures of our mind. This journal created just for you is a gift from your family at Olivia’s House: A Grief and Loss Center for Children. When you fill its pages with your thoughts, feelings and memories you will give a gift to yourself. Find the time to be still while you fill its pages. In time you can read through your journal and you can see your strength and healing in its pages. Don’t worry about spelling and punctuation; simply write what you feel in the moment. Journals can be kept for years, given as gifts or when completed, tossed away. It is your property to do with as you wish. Enjoy!
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I will never forget...
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Losing you was...
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I didn’t expect to feel...
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I miss you most when...
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If I could talk to you one more time, I would tell you...
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...tegrofhow reveyou n lliw Draw areI feeling today
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Sometimes Sometimes I feel misunderstood. I wonder if anyone will ever understand how I am feeling. I try to pretend that nothing is wrong. I wish that I didn’t hide how I feel from others. Other times, I feel alone. I pretend that everything is perfect again. I know that things will never be the same. I dream of seeing my loved on again in heaven one day. Sometimes my friends and photographs help me to laugh again. I remember how proud my grandpa was to call me his granddaughter. I hope all the good memories I have never fade away. Sometimes it seems as if I will never be truly happy again. Savannah age 16
Express your own emotions in a poem (title)
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People don’t understand me when...
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My friends have been...
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Life is hardest when...
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Life is easiest when...
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I cope by...
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Scrapbook Page Place photos or other items here that remind you of your loved one What memories do these items hold? Write about them on the blanks.
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Holidays without you are...
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You won’t be there for...
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My biggest regret is...
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I wish...
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The toughest part of being in our family without you is...
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Handprints Each hand tells a story A tale of grief and deep hurting The throbbing and burning incessant But grief is lifelong as the sea It reaches far, it’s overwhelming Unfathomable, impossible Each hand tells a story A tale of courage on the road to healing In the center of each handprint A heart lies open Their hands teach us
Write your own poem that tells your story (title)
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Draw a cherished memory
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People tell me...
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Without you...
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Your favorite food...
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A smile comes to my face when I think about...
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If I could have just one more day with you, we...
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Scrapbook Page Place photos or other items here that remind you of your loved one What memories do these items hold? Write about them on the blanks.
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I can feel you near me when...
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I am happiest when...
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When people look at me, they might think...
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People would be surprised if...
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The things I want to tell only you are...
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Draw what gives you strength
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Sometimes Sometimes I feel sad, lonely, depressed, scared and overwhelmed. I wonder why me? Why my dad? I try to be strong for my mother and my brother. I wish I could have one more day with my dad to say goodbye and I love him. Other times, I feel happy and giggly. I pretend everything is ok and normal. I know it’s not and without him here it will never be normal for me. I dream that he will come back. Sometimes my friends and family help me to laugh again. I remember everything about him and funny memories. I hope it will be okay again someday. I wish I had one more time with him and one more day. Paige age 15
Write a poem of how you’re getting through this (title)
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My strongest supports are...
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Your death has taught me...
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Your favorite food...
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A smile comes to my face when I think about...
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Write about anything
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Eight Weeks of
Healing
30 balloons red-white bobbed and wove prepared for flight messages scribbled with thoughts of love we miss you, you’re in my heart I miss your hugs. 30 children on the path of grieving let out feelings and emotions on the way to healing the release came after the count of three our messages soared toward heaven and we forgot to breathe we watched the balloons consumed by night and in that moment we kneweverything was going to be alright.
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for you Kendra Miller
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