While school is out for the summer, I thought it would be interesting to hear from “Our Kids” themselves. After all, kids are what this site is all about.

We talk so much about what we should do to help them; but, if we never stop to listen to them, then we have missed the boat. So, I have been featuring kids and their thoughts. In case you have missed my first two writers, you may find their posts here: Oriana and Keeleigh Amodeo.

Today, my guest writer is my ten-year-old granddaughter, Hannah Breaux, from Lumberton, Texas. Hannah has traveled with me on my blogging journey this past year to help hurting children. She faithfully draws my illustrations each week. Today, she tells her story of the loss of her pet dog, Rudy.

And now, in her own words, is Hannah.

Before Rudy died, I would always go to him if I was sad or frustrated. I’d sit and pet him while he ate his food or drank his water.

Now, I just go in my room and stay mad or cry. It was just some way that he made me happy. It might be because I am a dog person, I don’t know.

Rudy was kind of old when I was born, but whenever I could I would play with him. We just had so much fun. Also my other dog, Abby, would play with him when we were gone. Now, I think she is lonely.

I hate it that Rudy died. He was always there for me.

When I went to check on him that day, my Mom broke it to me that he died. My friend, Brooke, spent the night with me, and she comforted me. It is so hard to lose something you love.

Great job, Hannah! Be sure to share with your friends what you learned from your experience of losing Rudy. Not only will your story help comfort them in their loss, but helping others is one of the things that brings us the most joy in life.

Now, let’s see what we adults learned through your writing and illustration:

1. She told what her life was like BEFORE and AFTER the loss of Rudy.
2. She was able to describe her feelings before his death and after his death.
3. She used her gift of drawing to illustrate her feelings.
4. She also told who comforted her during this time – her friend, Brooke.

My friends, our kids can tell us a lot about their losses and their feelings in general. All we have to do is find the way that best suits them to express themselves and then, above all, LISTEN and LISTEN some more.

I might mention that, along with the children’s workbook, I also published, an Adult Reference guide that will help you meet some of the challenges you might face as you travel with a child during a time of his loss.

Be sure to join me right here next week for another time to meet “Our Kids” while they are on summer break.

Hannah’s Complete Bio:

Hannah is 10 years old and in the 5th grade.  She stays very active as a softball and soccer player and loves participating in any outside activities.  She is an avid reader and loves spending time drawing and writing.  She enjoys hanging out with friends and staying involved in her church youth group.