Monica's Story

The Sharing Place has been a wonderful experience for our family. The staff and volunteers provide a safe haven for those who are hurting. It has been a place where the children (as well as us parents) feel safe to talk about the loss of our baby and all the emotions that go with it. It’s been two years since Ariana’s death and we continue to deal with her absence every day.

As a parent, the pain has grown duller but it is still very present. Although we are able to feel true moments of joy, they are often tinged with sadness. However, as an adult I feel I’m better able to understand and express these often confusing and difficult emotions. My children, on the other hand, have experienced grief quite differently.

Maya, now eight years old, still misses her baby sister terribly. She and Ariana had a very close connection between themselves, one that the rest of the family didn’t quite understand. The Sharing Place has helped her deal with nightmares and anxiety over the many things in life that can’t be controlled. It has given her an outlet for her grief and her many questions. At school she doesn’t feel she can talk about Ariana with anyone for fear of being singled out or made fun of.

At The Sharing Place Maya can be with other kids who know what it feels like to lose someone they love.

Read more...