Event to help children who have lost loved ones

November 14, 2010 at 12:05a.m.

Staff report

Children who have lost a loved one recently are invited to attend an event to help heal during the holidays. Holiday Hope for Children and Teens is an event that takes place each year through Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes.

Sister Pat Fesler, an after-care companion, specializes in helping people deal with the death of family and friends.

“This can be a very difficult, very challenging time for them,” Sister Fesler said. “We give them some ideas on how to get through this difficult time.”

During the event, which draws about 25 children each year, Sister Fesler talks to the group about holiday traditions they shared with loved ones and how to cherish their memory during the season. Kids make ornaments in the memory of their loved ones, share stories about those people and decorate cookies to take home.

Sister Fesler said children often are more willing than adults to talk about their loss.

“I think parents and adults are hesitant to talk about how they feel,” she said. “Some adults will talk at our holiday program, but I have no problem getting kids to talk.”

This year’s meeting will take place Dec. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 3300 Canfield Road in Youngstown.