RedBird Time

As a bereaved parent and clinician educator, it was a gift to participate in the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 annual conference last week in Orlando. Kelly McManimon and I co-presented our poster for the Section on Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and won a 2024 Abstract award!!

For those of you not familiar with clinician conferences - it is rare for family advocates to present at such a significant conference as the AAP. Even rarer for parents to author the abstract, be selected to present, design the poster, and win an award!

This is only possible because pediatric palliative care physician Dr. Naomi Goloff opened the door seven years ago to Kelly and I, and neonatologist Dr. Johannah Scheurer continues to champion full integration of bereaved parents in research and clinician education.

Kelly and I partner with the University of Minnesota's Department of Pediatrics and M Simulation Center for an innovative workshop teaching end of life skills to pediatric fellows. Last fall we designed a unique approach to expanding our bereaved parent faculty by integrating trauma informed care principles into their onboarding training.

Our children, Levi and Charlotte, brought us into community with pediatric clinicians. It is an honor continuing to bring their lives forward through this work, while improving care for families.

Friends have been saying for years, "You need to publish a book." In the most curious of ways, it has happened!

To the surprise of it all, it isn't a book about Levi's story. And unsurprising to the Lord, it could only come about because of Levi, a child with DeafBlindness, and his Interveners.

The Intervener Grief Education Guide focuses on seven kinds of grief, specific implications Interveners experience, and provides reflective prompts for deeper personal insights.

To my knowledge, this is the first time Interveners have had access to an in-depth grief resource.

I had the honor of supporting Community Interveners last week and debuting this new book for them. Transformative is an understatement of what happened. I am curious to discover who will be the next group of Interveners I have the honor of supporting?

(and which book I'll publish next!)

Last weekend I lead a customized grief education retreat for professionals who provide support to children with DeafBlindness. It was the first time this community had the opportunity to learn about grief in a relatable, compassionate way. From the education to a customized toolkit, to the brave conversations, this was a transformative day for every Intervener (and the Deaf Interpreters).

Special thanks to DeafBlind Services of MN for seeing the need and hosting this innovate retreat and Brighter Days Family Grief Center for their supportive spaces.

And thank you to Levi, the one who opened me to this sacred work and my eyes to these (previously) unmet needs.

Oh and I published my first book... I'll share that in another post.

Children's Grief Awareness Day is this coming Thursday. As much as we adults struggle to talk about grief, it is important to learn about the questions children ask as they grieve.

'Why did he Leve Me?' 5 things grieving children want to know about the death of a loved one Children experience grief much more commonly than most of us think. This is what they want to know.

Sharing this Free Resource on 11/16 in honor of Children's Grief Awareness Day. See link in comments to register.

When someone you love has died, there are so many joyful holiday that now touch your grief. Like picking a costume and dressing up for Halloween. We acknowledge these missed moments matter.

Picture Books are an amazing way to teach children about grief after the death of a loved one. Join us for this dynamic gathering on July 26th via Zoom. See link in comments to learn more and register.

Ahead of Father's Day we hosted two Golden remembrance events. So thankful to have helped this daughter navigate grief and remember her beloved Dad.

We can help you teach your young children (4-12) about grief after the death of a loved one. Join us for this free webinar on July 26th. See comments for link to learn more