By Kathleen Dufault

When I was about 9 or 10 years old I attended my very first wake service. It was for my great-great aunt who was a Benedictine Sister. I had been to the convent many times with my family to visit, but this time was different. When we arrived, we were directed to the chapel. I remember it being dark with the only light coming from the candles on either side of my aunt’s casket. Together my family stepped up to her casket to say a prayer. I remember my aunt looking very peaceful, just like she was sleeping. I reached into the casket and touched her hand, it was very cold. I wasn’t afraid, I was just curious.

It’s natural for children to be curious about many things, including death. Death is not something we like to talk about, but it is something we will all experience at some time during our lives. As adults, we often get wrapped up in our own grief and don’t always realize that our children are watching us and learning from us. They may not understand what is going on, but they know something has changed. They are going to ask lots of questions. It’s natural, so please be honest with them and don’t be afraid to let them experience their first wake service.

The Children’s Grief Connection is a wonderful resource for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They attend camp and receive support from counselors and other children who may be experiencing the same thing. There are many activities and lifelong friendships are established.

The Children’s Grief Connection is at 72351 Pine River Road in Willow River, Minnesota, and can be contacted at 218-372-8420.