The Garden A Center for Grieving Children and Teens

09/08/2025

We are here for you! This is where healing happens. 💙

09/03/2025

The recent news of the mass shooting in Missouri has left many of us feeling shocked, fearful, and full of questions. For children, tragic events like these can be especially confusing and frightening, and as caregivers, it can be hard to know how and when to start the conversation.

If you’re unsure how to talk to children about what happened, you’re not alone. The Dougy Center provides valuable resources to help you approach these difficult discussions with care and reassurance. Their guides offer practical advice for answering questions, validating feelings, and providing a comforting presence when the world feels uncertain.

https://www.dougy.org/resources/cause-of-death/mass-tragedies

09/01/2025

08/29/2025

August 30th is National Grief Awareness Day – Let’s Acknowledge and Support One Another
Grief is a natural response to loss, but too often, those who are grieving feel isolated or unsure how to express their emotions. National Grief Awareness Day, observed on August 30th, was founded by Angie Cartwright to highlight the need for open conversations about grief and to ensure that those mourning know they are not alone.
🕊 What is Grief?
Grief can come in many forms—it may be emotional, physical, or even affect your daily routines. While most people associate grief with death, it can also follow other major life changes, such as divorce, job loss, or illness. The way people experience grief varies, and there is no set timeline for healing.

💡 Why Awareness Matters
Many grieving individuals feel pressure to "move on" quickly, but the reality is that grief is complex and personal. National Grief Awareness Day serves as a reminder that healing is not about forgetting but about learning to live with loss in a healthy way.

💙 How You Can Support Someone Who is Grieving
✔ Listen without trying to “fix” their grief.
✔ Offer a simple “I’m here for you” instead of advice.
✔ Encourage them to share memories if they feel comfortable.
✔ Remind them that grief has no expiration date.

If you or someone you love is grieving, know that support is available. You are not alone.

📌 Learn more about grief and ways to navigate it: BetterHelp Article

BetterHelp offers affordable, convenient online therapy when you need it from licensed, professional therapists. Get help, you deserve to be happy!

08/20/2025

“Sometimes I still talk to them… in my head.”

That’s okay.

That’s normal.

That’s one way we hold on to connection.

📝 Activity idea:
Write a letter to the person you lost.
What do you wish you could tell them?
What would you want them to know about you today?

📍 The Garden can help you or your child explore this in a safe, welcoming space.

📩 To learn more, contact Shelly Bathe Lenn at 413-727-5749 or visit our website.

The Garden is a free program of Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice for affected youth in the Pioneer Valley who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

08/15/2025

Grief is one of those profound emotions that often leaves us tongue-tied and uncertain, isn't it? Many of us instinctively steer away from the topic, changing the subject as soon as it arises, but what if we could transform that discomfort into a powerful dialogue? We are partnering with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) for an upcoming photography exhibit tentatively called 'Faces of Grief' that aims to change the conversation about grief. STCC photography students, under the guidance of Professor and Carberry Fine Arts Gallery Director, Sondra Peron, will be taking portraits and developing gelatin silver prints. We are looking for people willing to sit for a portrait session while holding, wearing and/or displaying something that connects to the person in their life who has died. These photos will be framed and at the culmination, each sitter will be given their picture. Portrait sessions will take place in the fall of 2025.

Interested in being involved? Please reach out by the end of the day. Space is limited. Call or email Shelly Bathe Lenn at slenn@mgb.org/413-727-5749.

08/11/2025

Grief is one of those profound emotions that often leaves us tongue-tied and uncertain, isn't it? Many of us instinctively steer away from the topic, changing the subject as soon as it arises, but what if we could transform that discomfort into a powerful dialogue? We are partnering with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) for an upcoming photography exhibit tentatively called 'Faces of Grief' that aims to change the conversation about grief. STCC photography students, under the guidance of Professor and Carberry Fine Arts Gallery Director, Sondra Peron, will be taking portraits and developing gelatin silver prints. We are looking for people willing to sit for a portrait session while holding, wearing and/or displaying something that connects to the person in their life who has died. These photos will be framed and at the culmination, each sitter will be given their picture. Portrait sessions will take place in the fall of 2025.

Interested in being involved? Please reach out by August 15. Space is limited. Call or email Shelly Bathe Lenn at slenn@mgb.org/413-727-5749.

08/08/2025

Some days are hard. Some moments feel heavier than others. That’s normal.

A gentle check-in (for you or your child):

● What helped you get through today?
● What made you feel a little better, even for a second?
● What do you wish others knew about what you’re going through?

Explore "It’s OK That You’re Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand" by Megan Devine, a well-versed psychotherapist and educator specializing in grief.

Megan approaches public speaking & press interviews with the same belief that guides her other projects - that changing the ways we deal with grief will cha

07/30/2025

Each year, Cooley Dickinson Hospital honors its dedicated volunteers during a luncheon that celebrates their time and contributions to the organization. This year's event took place at the Delaney House in Holyoke, where the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and camaraderie over a delicious meal. A special highlight was the recognition of Carolyn Forsyth, a remarkable volunteer at The Garden since 2021, who transitioned from a fulfilling 35-year career as a psychotherapist in western Massachusetts. Carolyn's commitment shines through with her planning and leading of activities for both the adult and children's groups, as well as organizing materials and securing new meeting spaces. Her extensive background in mental health has been invaluable in supporting grieving children, making her an irreplaceable asset to The Garden and the families we serve.

Thank you, Carolyn, for your unwavering dedication and the light you bring to our community!