GRIEF CAMP

On the weekend of December 27th, Christine Dernederlanden of Robert's Press helped to provide a weekend get-a-way designed for those whose lives have been handicapped by grief. The camps are intended for families that have lost a loved one, a job or face other difficulties due to the September 11th tragedy. These programs are free of charge; some are specifically designed for children, while others at the weekend get-a-way are designed for all family members. Members of the Lion's Club have always been known as "Knights of the Blind" and as supporters for those with physical restrictions, however, it is clear that the children prove to be the heroes. They share their stories and help each other deal with grief. We are hoping through this pilot project that Lion's clubs around the world will join in the crusade against grief.

Comments from the children:

• "I can be happy and I can be sad".
• "Inside I still have a broken heart".
• "I am too busy being happy this weekend".
• "Each tear on this face represents all those lost at the world trade center, especially my family".
• "We were surrounded with love and friendship and support - how could we not benefit?"
• "It was the best weekend since Tommy died".
• "I didn't like sleeping around the spiders".
• "The gray stands for stone faced, not supposed to cry, and underneath, white represents for part of me has died that day".