The Intersection Seven
A Note to Kids Who Have Lost Someone:
You Are Not Alone
Hi, Friend.
If you’re reading this, there’s a chance you’ve lost someone you love. Maybe it was your mom, dad, brother, sister, grandparents, or a friend. It was probably someone who made your world feel safe.
First, I want you to know something very important. You are not alone. Even if it feels like no one understands what you’re going through, there are people who care about you, and many children have walked a path that feels a lot like yours.
Losing someone you love can make life feel confusing. Some days you may feel sad. Other days you may feel angry. You might laugh one minute and cry the next. You may even feel guilty for smiling or having fun again.
Guess what? Those feelings are normal. There isn’t one “right” way to grieve. Your heart is learning how to carry someone you love while continuing to live your own story. That takes time.
Sometimes people around you won’t know what to say. Some may avoid talking about the person who died because they’re afraid of making you sad. But here’s a secret. Most children aren’t afraid of remembering. They’re afraid people will forget. It’s okay to tell stories, look at their pictures, and it’s okay to say their name. Love doesn’t end because someone isn’t here anymore. Love stays in our hearts.
I also want you to know something about God. When your heart hurts, God is not far away. The Bible tells us that He is close to people with broken hearts. That means He is close to you. You don’t have to use perfect words when you pray. Sometimes your prayer can simply be: “God…this hurts.” He understands.
There will be days when grief feels heavy and there will also be days when you smile because of a happy memory. You’ll make new friends. You’ll laugh again. You’ll discover new dreams. None of those things mean you’ve stopped loving the person you lost. They mean your heart is growing stronger.
That’s one of the reasons I wrote The Intersection. I wanted children like you to meet a character who understands what it feels like when life suddenly changes. I wanted you to know that asking questions is okay. Feeling sad is okay. Needing help is okay. And hoping again is okay.
So, if today feels hard, remember these four truths:
You are deeply loved.
Your feelings matter.
It’s okay to ask for help.
Your story isn’t over.
One day, you’ll discover that even after the hardest chapters, beautiful new ones can still be written. I’m cheering for you.
Always.
With hope,
Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge
Author of The Intersection
