Navigating the raw, tumultuous path of grief is a daunting endeavor foranyone. Yet, when a child loses a parent, a sibling, or even friend, thecomplexity magnifies. The question we pose today is, how can we helpchildren cope with such profound loss? Our guest, Valerie Staggs,returns, this time in a candid conversation about love, loss, andhealing, as we unearth answers to this essential question.Grief, often perceived as an adult emotion, engulfs children too, asobering reality that our society frequently overlooks. Valerie was awidow at 42 with a 7 year old son, who treaded through the delicate taskof guiding her boy through the loss of his dad, and reveals how herpersonal journey sowed the seeds for her book, This Side of Heaven. Wealso survey the common practices of shielding children from sorrow, plusthe evolving role of schools and communities, in showing compassion togrieving children.In the second part of our conversation, we delve into Valerie'sbrainchild, Pandora's Kids, a nonprofit organization born out of her ownexperiences with her son, and the lack of broader resources forchildren. Pandora’s Kids is a fun way to socialize, come together withother kids in a shared circumstance, and have an outlet not to feelalone or ostracized. The camaraderie of these children, and theirability to just Be together, is incredibly beneficial.  What does ittake to reach out to grieving families, and how do organizations likePandora's Kids provide comfort and a semblance of normalcy? Could thisunique model be replicated on a global scale? We tackle these questionsand much more. We wrap up our critical discussion by exploring ways tohelp children navigate their grief and loss, from fostering open,meaningful conversations to creating ceremonies to honor their lovedones. Listen in as we explore the journey of grief, as a path, thoughdifficult, can offer joy, laughter, hope, and love.Valerie Staggs can be contacted via PandorasKids.orgAnd, we want to hear from you! Be a part of the Conversation! Reach outwith comments, questions, or as a show sponsor, via email atpodcasts@lastingconversations.comAnd, find us @LastingConversations on Facebook.Lasting Conversations"We get to the HEART of everything!”Heather S Lockett(561) 818-2279http://www.lastingconversations.com