It's About Time: Grieving Teens

Posted By: Liz Goodrich
Date Posted: 11/4/2002

Together with Hospice of Bend-LaPine, Deschutes Public Library tackles the painful issue of teens and grief on November 14th at the Bend Public Library and again on November 17th at the LaPine Public Library.

The programs are being offered in support of National Hospice Month. The Bend program, scheduled for November 14th begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Admin. Large Conference Room (507 NW Wall) and the LaPine program begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.

“In your grief you might wish that your life would return to how it was before. It won’t,” states Josh Keogh who at 15 lost his father to cancer. What Josh learns during the year following his father’s death is documented in “Love, Josh,” a video produced by HBO that aired last June. After screening the video, bereavement specialists and trained volunteers will lead small discussion groups highlighting the lessons young adults and families can learn from Josh. Pizza and soda will be provided.

Angela Belew, Children’s Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice Bend-LaPine asserts that young adults face special challenges while grieving. “Sometimes teens withdraw and feel very isolated,” said Belew. “Everything from grades to family relationships can suffer if young adults aren’t given the time, space and support while grieving.” Belew believes that the teen grief experience is often overlooked and even ignored. “The journey Josh takes provides a map for other teens to follow and shows teens that they don’t have to suffer through a loss by themselves.”

This program is free and open to the public.