Healing Hearts
A Newsletter For Kids By Kids
Children of Seperation and Divorce Center, Inc. / Columbia: 410-740-9553
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for. It is probably one of the most wonderful American traditions. We at COSD are so thankful for our families, our health, and all of the kids who we have to privilege to meet and work with.
Of course, the reality of Thanksgiving can mean spending the day at two different homes with lots of family stories, jokes, food and sometimes some
arguments! Read the “Most Frequently Asked Questions” column for tips on sharing the holidays with your parents in two different homes. Our “Especially For Teens” column explores one teen’s making sense of his life after the September 11 attack. Don’t forget to check out some unforgettable Creative Expressions on page 3.
We sincerely hope that you and your families enjoy a peaeful holiday.
What 911 Means to Me
By Danny, age 17
I couldn’t believe my ears on September 11 at school. The halls were buzzing. Everybody knew that something was up. Parents were taking their kids out of school; teachers were whispering. Later, the principal made an announcement that there had been an attack on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon. One of the girls in my class started crying because her stepfather works in the Pentagon. Everybody was pretty much in shock. Some of the senior guys talked about signing up for the military in May to fight for our country. Everything had changed. As the days and weeks went by and things started to return to normal, even normal feels a little different. It feels like I am not supposed to be happy when I win a game or angry when my parents fight because all experiences pale in comparison to September 11. From talking to my friends, I have figured out that for me, everything I do and feel is just as important, if not more important than before September 11. I am going to lead the best life I can to make the most of every day and give my life’s meaning to all the people who lost their lives.
Peer Counselor Training “How to Cope with Holiday Stress” by Billy Wray and Holiday Party Thursday, November 29 from 6-8 PM
Peer Counselor Meeting, February 7 “How to Deal with Depression” by Dr. Heinrichs from 6-8 PM
The Heart
The heart should be the brain-
Because the heart loves-
The heart cares-
And when the heart loves-
Love is life-
Life is not controlled by the brain-
But, by your friendship for others-
From The Heart, by Jessie and Amanda, Grade 6
This is the first holiday season that we will be celebrating in two different homes. I will be spending Thanksgiving day with my dad and his family and we will be driving up to Boston to spend Christmas with my mom’s family. I feel sad that I won’t be able to see both my parents on those days. I know that the holidays are really important to them and I am worried about what they will do without us.
Sincerely,
T.W. Bethesda, MD
Dear T.W.,
Thank you so much for asking a question that so many kids have on their minds at this time of year. Even years after a separation or divorce has
occurred and everyone is feeling better, sometimes holidays, birthdays or other family celebrations can remind us of how much we miss the old traditions. What has helped us (peer counselors) get through it all is to think about the new plans as different rather than bad. You and your family will find new family traditions together, from playing football on Thanksgiving morning with all the kids on your street to having dinner with Dad’s family and dessert with mom’s. If you are worried about what your parents will be doing for the holidays when you aren’t there, ask them what their plans are and let them know how you are feeling. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Storm, By Stephanie, age 12
Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 3 of 3
Flower By Laura, Grade 6
