"Lots of things have happened to me in the last 2 years. I lost my twin sister Brooke last year June 4th. I miss her so much. The thing I remember most about Brooke was that she was so caring and she loved animals and gymnastics. I will never forget her. It's very hard for me to talk about her because she was like the other half of me. She was my identical twin, we did everything together.”
--Brittany
“You know how sometimes you have that sudden urge to do the right thing? Well, it happened to me. I was reading the paper and I found the obituaries. I saw a name that looked familiar. I scanned it -- and it was the mom of a girl I know! I was leaving for vacation the next day and I didn't want to dawdle so I called her on the phone and said, 'Hey Lauren, I heard about your mom. I’m really sorry.' I was proud that I did the right thing. I will miss Lauren's mom because she was at the house that gave out the most and the best candy on Halloween. In Memory of Lori, rest in peace. Lauren, if you ever need to cry on a shoulder, come and find me! We may not be best friends but I will be there for you!”
--Livigirl, 12
"Laura, don't feel you're to blame! Your father had a disease, and you were only trying to help him, for his sake, as well as that of your family and your own. I’m sorry you think your brother hates you, but one day, he will realize that you love him and loved your father. Try talking to your school guidance counselor about your grief, and the cruel people who mock you, just because you lost your father. I’m so, so sorry you lost him…”
--Jacqueline, 12
"My favorite aunt died when I was nine. I still cry a lot when I remember her. I realized that I should turn my grief into happiness at all the good memories. I remember what she smelled like and how that smell still makes me think of her.”
--Rosey, 13
"I’m talking about self death. I’m not afraid to die if it's a quick, painless death. I know that it will feel like I'll instantly be in heaven when I die.”
--Elizabeth, 9
"I lost my father about 3 months ago. I feel like I’m to blame because I only showed him hate. He was an alcoholic and I used to yell at him every evening for two years, never holding his hand or a simple kiss on the cheek. It was 23 days after my mom's birthday and 5 weeks short of their 15th anniversary. I’m called ‘Fatherless Wench’ every day now. That doesn’t hurt as bad as knowing the hate my brother has for me and the rest of my family. The last time my brother Alan saw him alive, he threw him down on the ground from false accusation. He is what hurts me the worst. I hope my father knows in his heart that I forgive him and really love him. I hope he forgives me as well.”
--Laura, 13
"I had a German shepherd called Kai. He was only 1 when he was killed! We have a train track at the bottom of my garden and somehow my dog got on there and was killed instantly by 1! I was at school at the time and when my dad picked me up he still hadn’t told me until I got home and asked where Kai was. I will ALWAYS remember Kai because he was such a lively beautiful doggy.”
--Chelsi
"I have lost my dog Quietus about 1 month and 3 weeks ago and I had him since I was 3 and a couple of months. I grew up with him and I talked to him when I was worried, scared, annoyed and lots more, but now I don’t have that anymore and I have been getting more upset and taking it out on me! What should I do? I can’t carry on like this!”
--JJ, 13
"My boyfriend of 6 months passed away. He was in a car crash. At first I blamed myself, but I know now it was his time to go. But when looking back I can't see the bad he did I can only see the good. It’s like there's something there blocking the bad, making me see only the good!”
--Melissa
"My cousin Bradley had cancer. I only saw him once. That was at the funeral. But my aunt and uncle wrote a book about him, and I have started it...”
--Kitty, 11
"My cat, who was 16 years old, died. I feel like I can't get over it, and I don't think my mom got over it either!”
--Dale, 13
"My grandpa and I were really close, he used to live right down the street from me and my family. I used to go to his house every day. He always sat in the same exact chair every time I came over. I always climbed right onto his lap and sucked my thumb. He would always ask me if he could have a taste, and when I said no, he asked me if it tasted like chocolate milk (my favorite drink back then). He died on New Year’s day, 1999, from a stroke. I remember that I was 6 when he died. At his funeral, we each put something in his coffin. I put in half of a white ribbon.”
--Rebekah, 12
"My stepdad Troy died when I was young. He always taught me wrong from right. I think it was 7 years ago.”
--Emily, 12
"My dad's dad died. He was my grandpa. He died exactly Feb. 8, 2002. That month was my B-day. I am sad. Because my grandma just married someone else after! I wish he were still alive. And also I got my interest of reading books because of him and he also was a publisher of magazines and books! I wish he were still alive. :(.”
--Judy, 9
"When I was 1 and 1/2, my grandfather died. I think I remember him, especially in dreams. I remember him reading to me, but I sometimes wonder if I just made it up from stories.”
--Mary Clarice, 12
"In my dreams my best friend keeps dying in plane crashes, over and over again. That dream occurred when he went to Jamaica.”
--NJohnson, 11
"I lost my grandfather last year in May. I remember him bouncing me on his leg when I was a baby. I remember that he couldn’t remember who I was. I was so sad when I lost him. I will be forever sad.”
--Kate
"When my grandpa died I was so sad. He was the only grandpa I had (my other grandpa died before I was born). He always read ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ to me. When I was at the funeral, whenever I looked at him I would start to cry. A week after, my dad read my ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ but it wasn't the same. I got to keep the book. He died when I was 6 but I still miss him.”
--Ellyn, 11
"My dog Kira has died. The way I remember her is I pretend as if she was here now. Talking about her makes me weepy, but I remember all the good times.”
--Chloe, 10
"My grandpa died when I was three years old…he was about 74 years old and he died of diabetes. My friend Eric has Alvear Rhabdomysocarma. That's a really rare form of childhood cancer. He's had it since we were in 2nd grade and now we are in 5th grade. :-( He might die, but I hope that he doesn't.”
--Devin, 11
"Last year, my family (mom, dad, little brother, and me) was driving around looking at Christmas lights. We got in a car crash. Both my little brother and Dad died. I miss them so much!”
--Anonymous
"My dad had just gotten a job as the band director. We were moving him into his office. On our way out we got a call saying that my pappy had just died.”
--Sarah, 10
"My grandma Connie read me one of my favorite books, Rumplestilskin, and she died when I was 5. She had diabetes. I still can’t get over it.”
--Danielle, 10
"I once lost my Pop Pop. He was my godfather. I was 9 when he died. I was heartbroken. He was so close to me. When I was a baby he'd care for me a lot. I remember most just how much he loved me. Only a few years earlier my mom had miscarried a girl. I knew he would be up there with sissy. I lost a dog that same year only 1 month later. I still miss her every day. I remember how I used to think she'd live forever…then she was gone. Now I wish I'd never mistreated her. I loved these people and animal. I have also lost a great granddad when I was 4. All the pictures we have are all the memories I have. I will always miss them.”
--Sarah
"I had a guinea pig named Sammy. My family and I loved him very much and we took care of him. His birthday was January 16, 2003. On July 16, 2005, my mom took him to get his hair cut. He was longhaired. I was volunteering at the library. My mom forgot that he was in the car, so she spent an hour shopping at Wal-Mart. When she came out, Sammy and our shorthaired guinea pig Davey looked sick. They hadn't had anything to drink in a while. When we got home Sammy wasn't moving. We knew he was alive, but I sensed he was dying. I ran to my room crying. My mom suggested we take them to the veterinary emergency clinic 10 minutes away. When we got there, the nurses took them in right away. We waited for 15 minutes, then we got the horrible news. Davey had survived and was receiving fluids, but Sammy had been dead upon arrival. Mom was crying and kept saying that Sammy would have lived much longer if she hadn't left him in the car. The average lifespan of a guinea pig is 5-8 years! Sammy had gotten heat stroke, and his long hair was like a fur coat. It was around 90 degrees outside. Davey had gotten heat stroke as well but his was a milder case. My dad dug a hole in the back yard. He wrapped Sammy's body in some tissue paper, put it in a plastic bag, and laid the body in a small metal box. He labeled the box with Sammy's name, his birth date, and his death date. By that time everyone was crying except 2 of my little sisters. The box was put in the hole. We had a memorial service and I put a stake in the ground with the words SAMMY on it. Now every time I look out the window, I see Sammy's grave. But I cheer up when I see it by waving and saying, ‘Hi, Sammy!’ Our other guinea pig, Davey, has been looking for Sammy around the cage. I've told him that Sammy is busy helping the other guinea pig angels in Guinea Pig Heaven. My parents said we'll find 2 more guinea pig companions for Davey, which we'll name Sonny and Freddy.”
--Vanessa, 11
"Yes, my grandma died in December 2000 of cancer. I really wish she hadn't smoked, because that's what caused her cancer.”
--Hannah, 13
"My mother died when I was 9. She died of carconoid cancer, which is a rare cancer. Now I have plenty of my friends’ moms, teachers, my dad, and family supporting me. But I really miss my mom.”
--Julie, 11
"A year ago, my priest died. I was very close to him. He was 74, and had cancer of the esophagus. When he first got it, I knew he would die. Right away, I knew it. But he fought it six months, long enough to give me false hope. I feel terrible, because I never visited him in the hospital. I didn't want to see him changed, but I should have said good bye!”
--Good Girl, 12
"A day before she died, a friend and I had a fight. The whole fourth grade was making posters and setting up a memorial in her locker.”
--Sarah, 10
"I lost my temple leader’s mother on July 4 2005. It was hard because we were really close. In my religion she had to be buried the next day, so my parents went to the funeral and I stayed home with my brother, my mother’s friend’s daughter and son, and the grandchildren of my temple leader’s mom. Ever since that incident I have had so much more faith in God.”
--Bani, 9
"January 4th, 2005 will always be a sad day for me and my fourth grade class. I remember it like it was yesterday. Our classmate, Katelee, was trying to save her puppy and when she crossed the street to go back, she was hit by a SUV. Our teacher didn't show for a long time. Then around 9:15, our principal came and said Katelee died. At her funeral, my friend said her aunt was screaming, ‘Bring her back.’ A lot of people visited the counselor, and some went home that day. I made a memory book and so did a girl named Kelsey. Katelee loved to play around. Her grandmother lives down the street from me and sometimes, she and her brother Corey would come play. She had come over a few days before she died and we had played around at her grandmother's house. We also made a memorial board for her with a camouflaged background that I think her grandmother made. It had her third grade picture on it. When the yearbook came out, they had a page at the beginning with a picture that someone took with her sister Ashley in a
Lucy the Lion costume. We still talk about it frequently, but most times, we don't mention it. Katelee, we miss you!”
--Savanna, 10
"One year ago, my pet lovebird died. I was away, so I was really devastated. I’ve kinda gotten over it.”
--Sarah, 10
"My birthday buddy, Jewelie, choked to death on a cracker last month. She was 3 years old. It doesn't seem fair. It doesn't seem like she had a long enough time. She had blond hair and blue eyes and looked like a princess. She was sweet and loving. I liked to read to her and cuddle with her. She was fun to play dress up with. She was a sunshine girl. I love her a lot. I feel dizzy and confused. I have lots of pictures I look at. It helps sometimes. I haven't had a lot of death, except my grandpa who died of a heart attack when I was 3. I remember that. I remember all about him. I miss them both. I hope to see them again someday…that's all...”
--Makayla, 10
"My friend died in a car accident. The next day in my school everyone knew about it. My friend's name was Demi. Her dad was driving home and there was this big truck that was on the road very near to Demi's car. Demi's father tried to go over to another side. But the big truck bumped them. Soon everyone in our school started earning money. Someone in another teacher's class earned a hundred dollars and gave it to Demi's family.”
--Hannah, 8
"Hi. My name is Landry and I never met my grandparents. Every time I see a picture of one of them, they look like complete strangers.”
--Landry, 10
"My Granddaddy was one of the nicest people I ever knew. He gave me one of my favorite books, Junie B. Jones First Grader Toothless Wonder. He died at the age of 88.”
--Rachel, 8
"I have experienced plenty of deaths but one that bothered me the most was my Aunt Clarice because it was the first funeral I was able to attend. Because most of the time when someone close to me has died I was too young, they would always say to me that it would be to horrifying for me. But I went to my aunt’s and I saw her in the casket and I kept saying in my head that she would pop up alive but when they were getting ready to shut it I kissed her goodbye because through the hot blur of tears I was crying I realized it was real. When they finally closed the casket my cousin Kirestin’s dad (my aunt’s grandson) broke down to the floor crying. I felt so bad but I didn’t know how to help because I was so confused that it was real. When I saw them bury her into the ground I just couldn’t take it. I ran to my car and stayed there until my dad and cousin (Sabrina) came to the car. Then we all ate. It was like the after party when the funeral’s over and we played basketball and had some laughs. That night I had a dream that it was my funeral (I don’t want to go into details ). But that’s the most horrifying death I experienced so far, or should I say funeral. Than you for taking the time to read this.”
--Sarah, 12
"I have -- two years ago. My grandpa died in a car accident. But when he was alive he was strong. He used to pick me up and throw me onto a bed. When he was about to die he said, ‘Kristen I love you. Always remember me, and when I go to heaven I'll be watching you. Goodbye.’”
--Kristen, 9
"When I was 12 years old I not only lost my father, but I lost my best friend. I was a daddy's girl through and through. He died four days after my b-day, but we didn’t find out he had died until 3 days later, on my stepbrother’s b-day. It has been really hard dealing with everything but I think that after 3 years I am finally starting to accept what has been taken out of my life. It just hurts all the time knowing that he won’t ever be there to congratulate me on all of my achievements or even just for support.”
--Demi
"Well when I was 1, in 1 week my dad committed suicide. And then a few years ago 2 days before Christmas my mom died.”
--Jessica, 11
"My best friend’s brother died in a car accident when he was, I think, 21. He was a freshman in college and he had it all: a girlfriend, a scholarship, and the bestest little sister, my bud. It has been a little over a year now, so I think everyone is okay, but it was hard because he was coming home from college and it was a snowy February night. The roads were very slick so his car slipped on the road, and he broke through the windshield and into a ditch. He was in a coma for about 3 days, and then I got word that he had died. It was sad, but helping my friend and talking about her feelings helped her.”
--Anonymous, 10
"My school has a special education class, and one of the students, Keyabra, died of a brain tumor earlier this year. :(.”
--Rachel, 8
"Why did it have 2 happen 2 her? I loved her so much I want her back. It all feels like a dream.”
--Alexis, 12
"When I was 7 yrs old I lost my dad to kidney cancer. It's been 7 years now and this year he would have turned 50 so we decided that we were going to throw a big party, just my mom and me, to celebrate his memory. I remember how he used to play all this really weird music in the basement when I was 3-5 years old and now it's my favorite music.”
--Erin
"I experienced a death of my granddad (dada's side) because he died without meeting his own granddaughter. He had a stroke. I know how it feels. I might have one with my obesity.”
--Shantel, 10
"She didn't look the same that she used to be. I was sad. I would never get to see her again.”
--LeeAnn, 10
"I had a cat. His name was Cedrick. I loved him soooooooooooooo much!! He only liked me! He was so sweet. He was hit and killed by a car. He snuck outside at night.”
--Carolina, 11
"I lost my friend, Katelee, in January. The whole class was crying. I could even see some boys crying, but if I ask them, they'll deny it.”
--Savanna, 10
"I had never really experienced death until last year. Last year 3 people died that were really close to me. The first death was my dad. He died on January 20, 2004. The worst part about it is that I remember the day like it was yesterday. My parents had just gotten a separation and my dad stayed in the house while my mom, my brother, and I moved to an apartment. About a week before the 20th there was a lot of snow and my dad called my mom because he couldn't get his car out of the snow because it was stuck. I remember stopping by and helping him get it out. I gave him a hug and a kiss and said goodbye. Then on the 19th I was talking to him on the phone right before bed like I always did. I could tell that something was wrong because he didn't talk much but I thought he was just having an off day so I didn't mention it to anyone. The next day after school I went over to my friend's house and later my mom’s close friend Sheila came and picked me up and brought me to her house were my brother already was. Soon my mom came with my grandparents. David and I then went to my grandparent’s house. Then my grandma sat me down and told me that my dad was dead. That he had gone up to heaven because he had taken his life. I loved my dad soooooo much and I still cannot believe he is gone! The other two deaths happened during the summer. One was my cousin Katie. She was only in her 20's and died because of a disease. The last death was my great grandmother. She was the only one of the three people that I got to say a final goodbye to. I remember visiting her in her house and her skin being yellow. I loved her so much and am also so sad that she is gone! I am so sad they are all gone. But like my mom tells me, they are still watching over me from heaven and love me very much.”
--Lydia, 13
“My stepsister Chloe's cat died and she was very sad. I remember she yelled to me, 'Nicky! Nicky! Cookie won't wake up even when I shake him!' So me and my friend Kevin came upstairs and he felt Cookie and said, 'Little dude, I hate to say it but your cat is dead.' Then he and I gave Chloe a bear hug as she cried her eyes out on my shirt. I will admit I miss Cookie. He used to always paw at my friend Kevin's diabetes bracelet. It was hilarious.”
--Nick, 12
"My grandpa passed away a couple months ago. It was very hard on me and my family. He was very special to me. I couldn’t stop crying. I love him lots and will never forget him.”
--Aubree, 12
"Last year I lost my brother 3 days before my birthday. I felt so mad because I didn't have time to say goodbye. Ever since then I felt that I was the problem. All of my friends started to avoid me just because of this. They said they don't want to hurt me because of something they say, because it might remind me of my brother. I went to a camp about 7 months later. I met new friends, but when I came home again I felt I was to blame. How can I ease this pain?”
--Kendra, 11
"Yes. My parents were going on a trip and I couldn't come. I was mad at them. They were coming to say goodbye but I didn't open the door. So they left. Next thing I know, my babysitter is waking me up in the middle of the night, telling me that their plane had crashed and they died.”
--Patty, 13
"My grandma's friend Beaulah died 3 years ago -- I didn't know her that well, but I remember she had this cool house and a couple doll houses. I made her a few books for one of the dollhouses once, and I played with her Rubik's cube. And I ate ice cream in her kitchen. That was October 6, 2002 and on that day, I got 2 new puppies: Kessie and Kenton. And 2 years ago, Kessie got run over on the road. I miss her! Death is a scary topic, but the pain eventually goes away, and our loved ones live on in our hearts and memories forever. Peace out.”
--Kiki
"My mom told me a story a few months ago. It was about my grandpa. I already knew he died. She told me one day that when I was still in her stomach her dad died. She didn't tell me how. He died and one day when my mother and father sat outside somewhere everywhere was quiet. Nobody was there. She told me that somehow she felt like her dad was there to see her pregnant and me. It might be weird but I didn't even get to know him. I wish I could see him someday. I pray to him every night. That is the story.”
--Isabelle, 8
"Last year my best friend died in a car accident (he was 40). He flipped over a bridge and didn’t have a seat belt and died a few days later because his brain was swollen. ON FATHERS DAY!!!!!! When I called his house his Mom broke the news to me. I was SO sad! He had a nickname (for me) and was always funny. I miss him a lot. I cry a lot, he was involved in sheep and he died 1 month right before my major show!!!! I also feel really weird because I cry more than his daughter who is my age and now I am very scared of bridges! Please Help!!”
--Anonymous, 11
"I am really sad, my bottle lamb died 2 months ago!”
--Anonymous
"Yeah, my buddy did. You just remember all the good times. And you never ever forget the smile or the laugh.”
--Alec, 10
"My guinea pig died in December 2004. I miss him so much because he was so cute and cuddly.”
--Mallory, 9
"My sister died before I was born. It's hard to miss her, since I never knew her, but it would have been nice to grow up with a big sister. Her name was Marley Nicole.”
--MissYori
"My friend Jamie died. She was such a sweet girl. It will be 4 years this year. I miss her, but it’s getting a lot easier. It gets easier, I promise all of you. Death is hard to deal with. But one day you will put away the sadness and think of only the good times. And you will smile. I’m crying now writing this, but I love her. And I always think of her, and I smile for her.”
--Liz
"My older brother, Makyi, died when his car was hit by a drunk driver. I cry about it still all the time. He was funny and creative, and I could talk to him about anything.”
--Ashlee, 13
"My grandpa died of colon cancer on May 20, 2005 in a hospital in Monmouth. I’ll really miss him. All I know about him is that he really loved me and I really loved him. He was in the Korean War. I really miss him.”
--Elizabeth Jane, 12
"When I hear about a family member that's died, I show absolutely no remorse. Most people think that it's very cold-hearted of me to act the way I do when I’m at a funeral, in a sad situation, etc. What these people don't realize is that when someone dies, they end up in a better place. And besides, I actually find death rather fascinating.”
--The Shadow, 13
"My little sister, best friend, and grandma died all 1 week apart. It was so hard. Especially losing my 6 month old little sister. She has a twin and it is so hard to look at her. My sis Kylee (the dead 1) was always so happy and smiled so much. And to top it all off, my brother and 2 sisters got taken away from my mom the day after Kylee's death. This stinks! I can’t stop crying!!!”
--Allyson, 11
"My father's father is critically ill. I am especially sad because I only saw him once and I was too little to remember.”
--Jonathan, 9
"My great aunt Mary just died and she lived down in Fresno. When we would visit I would come running over to give her a hug and I would give her my full attention. But now I just sulk around like there’s nothing to life itself. Can you help me?”
--Frankie, 10
"My great grandmother died on the 8th of June and I cried more then I ever cried before! I used to live right beside her, so I was very close to her. She was so nice and I miss her so much! Sometimes I want to go out to my backyard and cry! But she was very sick and she suffered a lot, so I think she would be better off. I love you Nanny!!!”
--Kaitlynn, 10
"My mom died when I was 2 weeks old and my dad died when I was 3 years old on my birthday. To this day I have a picture of my mom and dad. I did not know what happened. But when I was 4 I was adopted. I asked them did they ever meet my parents? They said no, so I didn't have much family around. I just looked under family records and it said my grandma died in year 91 and my grandpa this year on the 28 of June, and my b-day is the 29th.”
--Nicole, 11
"Wow, what a tough topic. Death is like, a real hard thing to deal with and talk about. The closest death in my family was my great grandma. I loved her like crazy. She baby-sat me, like, all the time. She was a big Christian influence in my life, and when I think about her, I get, like, so excited, b/c u know wat??? I’m going 2 c her again! Being a Christian means I don’t have 2 b afraid of death. I am not afraid of death. I rest in the knowledge that I will c her, my parents- even Abe Lincoln for crying out loud some day! That's exciting.”
--Lauren
"When I was 3, my mom and dad left me alone at home with my 2 older sisters. I asked where they were going, but every time they answered ‘Out.’ When my mom and dad got back, I could see something was wrong because there were tears in their eyes. My mom and dad sat down and told my sisters and I what was the matter. Allie and Cairsten were my 2 older sisters. They began to cry. I just sat there happily, not knowing what was the matter. Finally, my dad whispered in my ear and told me that my mom was suffering from breast cancer. I asked what it was. He said something that kills you. Then I started to cry. So, now over the years until I was five, I had to keep going to hospitals, every single day. Finally, one sad day my dad had just came back from the hospital, he called me and my sisters down. He said ‘Girls, your mother wa-’, ‘Dead!’ I yelled. I yelled dead so loud that I had no choice but to run upstairs and cry. I was squished! I didn't even get to say goodbye to her! That was what happened, thank you for listening!”
--Morgan, 9
"I was wicked sad when my grandfather died, on May 28, 2005. He was a gardener/farmer from the Azores/Portugal. He always overworked himself, settled in Providence, RI, and raised 4 children. 40% of his lungs worked, but when he went in the front of the house to plant flowers he had a heart attack at only 72 years old. Now, we are a huge family. So all of us were crying and grieving and still are. He was very intelligent, knew 2 languages, Portuguese and English. Also everyone wanted to be around him, he was a cool guy, and now God has him.”
--Robert, 12
"My cat died of diabetes. I lost him on the early morning of Christmas Eve.”
--Shanthi, 8
"My sister died two years ago when she was sixteen. She died of lung cancer as she smoked ever since her friend forced her to when she was twelve. She smoked at least fifty cigarettes a day. At her funeral I cried loads.”
--Jane, 11
"First off, I am sorry to hear about the deaths of loved ones people commented on in this discussion. I am a very emotional person. I lost my grandma about 3 months ago. I loved her very much, and just for only the 13 years I've been living, she brought out the best in me. I helped my dad greet people at the wake and many people said they were sorry to hear about this. It made me feel that somebody feels for you. If somebody you know has lost a loved one, tell them you are sorry. It means more to them than you may think it will. I greeted people I didn't know, and just for a few seconds they lifted me.”
--Anonymous, 13
"Last week I found out that my great grandma had died a month ago. I became angry that my parents kept it secret.”
--Umme, 11
"My Grandfather died in 2000. I was really upset because we were really close. I learned that it was his time to go and that I will see him in Heaven someday.”
--Anonymous
"My grandma died from heart disease and liver cancer. The cancer actually made her die from the disease. I stayed strong at the viewing; I was the first person to come up to my grandpa and tell him that everything was going to be all right, and I was the first one to go to the open casket. My younger cousin asked, ‘Caitlin, why did grandma die?’ I said, ‘Because God needed her.’ At the funeral I gave a speech saying ‘My grandmother, Irene Evilin Cole, passed away for 2 reasons. #1: She was going through a hard time. She was actually ready to go. #2: God needed her to watch over the other little children in heaven.’ After a while all I could do was cry. Then I realized that she was watching over us. I may have sadness most of the time, but mostly I am happy. Happy that her long fight is over.”
--Caitlin, 10
“This year in June 3 2005 my bestest friend died in a bike accident. She was riding down a hill and she couldn’t stop and a mail truck ran over her. Her name was Victoria Lauren. I cried for weeks and I still do.”
--Jacque, 8
"My pet fish died, Oreo died. Sure a fish isn't that interesting, but I was sad. But this summer I’m getting a rabbit and I'll name him/her after Oreo.”
--Paula, 10
"I remember when my grandpa bought me ice cream and took me to the store before he died of 4 strokes.”
--Donnella, 11
"When I was 7 years old my cousin died. I was sooooo sad. I cried every day. She will always be there for me and she will take great care of me. I’m crying right now but it's OK because she’s in a better place.”
--Jassmine, 9
"My older brother died from a vein in his head that burst and started bleeding really bad. I can't get over his death. I miss him too much. I cry a lot. I’m even crying right now. Do you have any advice to stop all the pain?”
--Karen, 10
"My birth mother died. I never got to know her. I was only 2 years old when she died. I went to visit her grave. It was hard. I was crying. I think about her all the time. I really miss her.”
--Anne
"I had a cat who got put to sleep when she got sick and the doctor said she could not make Thumbelina better. They said that way Thumby would not be in pain. :( I also had a doggy who had to be put to sleep because he had cancer in his mouth and he could not get better. :( So we kept part of his fur and wrote goodbye letters to him before they put him to sleep. He was a golden retriever and we named him Leo. And now I have another doggy who is probably going to die because he is really sick. He is 3 years old. :( I keep pictures of all my pets and sometimes I tell stories about them.”
--Melissa, 9
"Well, my grandma died 2 days ago and I felt so bad, but then I felt happy for her because she had cancer and she had an accident so she couldn't walk or move her right hand and it's been 7 months she's in the bed.”
--Leana, 12
"I lost a friend at school. She died because she was sick. She was my best friend in the world. I miss her so much.”
--Alexandra, 8
"I remember when my dog used to put his mouth over my face.”
--Kayla, 11
“My grandma Hilda died a few months ago. She was 83. She was old but that doesn't make it any better. Grandma Hilda always made cinnamon cookies for me. My little brothers never got to meet her. I wish they did because she was the best grandma ever (don't tell my other grandma that!).”
--Maris, 12
“My dog Georgie had to be put to sleep because he had Lyme disease. He was my first dog, and he was 7 when he died. Also my cousin Lisa, who was 5, got hit by a car when she was playing. I saw it happen. We were playing four-square (me, my brother Mike, Lisa, and Lisa's brother Joe). When the ball bounced out of her square into the street, she ran out to get it. We tried to make her look but she ran and got the ball anyway. When she ran back it hit her on the side. Joe called the hospital and a couple hours later, my Aunt Jen called and said 'Lisa's gone' over the machine. She was only 5 and never got to enjoy life.”
--Annie, 10
"My little brother Devin died when I was 3. My mom cried, and though I didn't know what was going on, I suddenly cried with her, like a psychic connection. Devin died of lung cancer, my parents described it as lungs that where too big. He died at 12:00 midnight.”
--Bell, 8
"My uncle Sunny died in April 2002. We had a funeral. We all cried. We smiled too, because we knew he was in a better place. I will always think of when he would let us sit on his motorcycle with him. I still cry when we talk or do stuff with them in it. I LOVE YOU SUNNY!!!!!!!!”
--Kayley, 10
"At first I did not know what to do. Then I tried to cling onto the one parent I had left. It’s depressing how you have one parent that cares for you, but you should be glad with that someone who still cares for you.”
--Diana, 10
"My cat died of cancer, and it is on my bully’s b-day, and I am so sad. I deal with it by saying he's in heaven and will always be in my heart.”
--Erin, 10
"My great uncle died today because some guy came out and shot him. The day I found out I cried and cried. I didn’t know at first, but when the phone rang and my mom started crying loudly I knew something was really wrong. I asked my mom ‘Why him? why would God pick for him to die?’ and she said it was meant to be. I’m going to start crying if I keep on typing now. Bye.”
--RJ, 10
"At first I was angry, also sad. But my mother said that I should let the pain out. I did. EVEN though I am getting over the loss of my father, I will never forget the day it happened. The best advice I give myself is to forget about it and move on.”
--Diana, 10
"My cousin Joey died when I was eight years old. He was living in my town with my aunt, and he was 7 months old. I had taken a bath, and I was sitting in my bed, reading a book. I walked into the bathroom to get a drink of water, and I saw Joey in the bathtub… He was drowned, and I went through a nightmare. I screamed for my Mom and Dad, and I pulled him out of the water with all of my strength. When my parents came I ran outside and screamed, ‘It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault!’ And my aunt told me to shut up. It was the worst day of my life. My parents and my aunt drove away in the ambulance, and a friend of my parents watched us at home. Later, my parents called to say that he didn't make it. I was the only kid who saw Joey in the hospital, and I have never been through such a horrifying time in my life...Ever.”
--Kayetta, 12
"My bishops Dad’s death in 2002. I was sad.”
--Maren
"My great-grandma died. She was the best. We always had fun together.”
--Sarah, 09
"My cousin’s dog, Jerry, had to be put to sleep and died of cancer. I remembered when he waited for me on his couch when I came over. :(.”
--Michelle, 8
"My cat died earlier this year. His kidneys shut down, and we had to put him to sleep. He died on a cloudy day, so every time the sky is grey and cloudy, it makes me feel better, like I’m closer to him. Sometimes I can hear the papers near the couch where he used to sleep rustling and I always feel better. I still cry a lot, but when I’m done I usually feel better. I’m bawling right now, writing this!”
--Maya, 13
"One of my best friends died when I was 9. She died in a car wreck. I was with her but thank you God, I am still here today. My question is: what if it was me? And is she looking down on me right now? I hope she knows that I miss her more and more every day. Love always, Ciara.”
--Ciara, 12
"When my grandpa died. I remember that he liked jelly beans.”
--Courtney, 9
"I lost my best friend, my biggest influence, and I lost my father. He took his own life on April 15, 2005. He was the one person I would ask for help with homework. He, my father, was the key to my birth and looks. Why he did what he did I don’t know why… all I know is that he loved me, and someday I will see him in heaven.”
--Edge, 11
"My grandfather passed on when I was around 2 or 3 because of a heart attack. I didn’t really know him, but every day I believe that the summer Florida breeze is him saying that he loves me.”
--Kae, 9
"Well yeah, my grandma, and she was great. The best. And I never will completely get over her. She smelled nice, sorta like flowers. She had diabetes and was old and white-haired and had a sunken eye but she was so nice. To me, she was always beautiful.”
--Carla, 12
"My dog Bubbles ran away. In a week she didn't come home. I went looking and saw a white tail. I was happy until I saw her dead. I picked her up and I put her in a box. I gave her a funeral. I buried her in my backyard. I will always remember Bubbles. I would cry a LOT if someone talked about Bubbles. Now I feel better because I HAVE A STUFFED ANIMAL THAT LOOKS LIKE BUBBLES.”
--Jenny, 8
"I love my Grandma Hicks. She was the one when I got in trouble she will say, ‘Leave her alone kee-kee.’ And it is bad because she is going. We love you, grandma.”
--Nakita
"Yes, my camp sis…also my counselor. I remember giving her something for her birthday, and putting her together with a boyfriend. And I made her laugh when she was down, as she did with me.”
--Charlene
"When my uncle died in July of 2004, I couldn't deal with not crying. Now he is just an angel in heaven, and I always hope and pray God is taking care of him.”
--Jennifer
"I lost both my cousin n mate to leukemia! My mate passed away a few months ago (he was only 16), n my cousin 5 years ago (he was only 14). Wateva you do, neva take anyone for advantage because you don't no when they're gonna be gone. Plz do wateva you can to raise some money for cancer research, because one day u mite be affected. Thanks x."
--Anonymous
"When I was about nine, my great-grandmother died. I was not there, but that does not mean I don't feel like I experienced it. I was in school and my grandmother was at the nursing home visiting my great-grandmother. My great-grandmother was asleep and then she just stopped breathing. I remember her a lot, although I was not around her a lot. Sometimes she forgot my name but I still loved her."
--Kaelyn, 11
"About a year ago, my dog Sandy was having problems going to the restroom outside. He was peeing and pooping with blood in it. He was in so much pain!!!! I couldn¹t bear it, but a few weeks later my parents took him to the vet to get surgery on whatever was wrong, and he died when they were doing it. When I came home from school that hateful day, I said, 'Sandy, I'm here boy, come here.' But dad led me outside, to the far back, and I saw the stick were he marked Sandy's grave. Now the stick is gone, but I always remember what great times we had together, and that he will never come back. Sniff! How do I control my thoughts about him?"
--Julia, 10
"When I was only a lil' babe my nana died, on the same day I was born."
--Anne
"A few weeks ago my first baby (if you will) died. He was the smartest yet weirdest cat I ever had and ever will have. Here's what happened: Mau (yes, that's his name. So what?) was out for two days (he's an outside cat)! Usually he comes home every day, and when he did, instead of looking for food, he ran straight under my bed. A few days later, he came out and started throwing up green stuff, which made us think he was poisoned. He died that same day. Everyone cried and we buried him in my backyard. When I told my best friend over the phone that he died, she started to cry too. Then my ex-friend didn't want to be my friend anymore. Then I felt lonely without Mau, but with no friends at school I felt lonelier than EVER (All my friends go to different schools! It's hard to keep in touch)! I MISS YOU MAU!!! I EVEN HAD A DREAM ABOUT HIM- MY DAD TOO!! MAU COME BACK!!!!"
--Brittany, 11
"Please help me. My friend Santiago, a.k.a Sebastian, well he died of leukemia a day before Valentine's Day, and the thing is, I've never had a best friend like him. He was cool, funny, smart, cute, nice, understanding, outgoing, and awesome. So how do I deal with his death?”
--Aqua, 12
"My father died when I was 5. I don't remember much. I know how hard it can be! But surround yourself with family and friends and you'll get through. At times you will be sad, but remember: it's OK to cry no matter if you are a guy. I still cry in fact. Friends and Family can help A LOT, and ask your family what the person was like if you were too little to remember. I have a really tough time dealing with my father’s death, but I have a great mom that helps me through it. You know what? If you ask God why he took that person away from you, he will answer in his own way…you just have to listen. I am about to cry as I write this. My Mom has made it clear why God took my daddy away from me finally, and if I want him back I am being selfish. Now he is in a better place w/o any pain. There is only one way I can honestly say he is in heaven and that is b/c he was saved when he was a little boy. I can wait until I see him in heaven ‘cause I want to make him proud of his little girl. So I am going do as much as I can to make him proud of me. I am not going to get depressed. I never have. Just ask yourself: What would that person want me to do? Would they want me to spend too many hours crying? Would they want me to try to make a difference in the world? I ask myself that just about every day. I love my Dad sooo much, just b/c he was my Dad. To be honest I have no other reason.”
--Veronica, 12
"A good friend of the 8th graders died in her sleep exactly 3 months ago. It was just so hard. The whole school is scarred for life about her. She was just so happy and cheery. We don't know exactly what happened, but the doctors said she committed suicide. But her friends don't believe it or don't want to. Then my grandpa a few months later…this year has been so complicated, it was the biggest struggle of my life.”
--Anonymous, 13
"When I was 7 years old my grandmother died, and ever since then I have been having nightmares about skeletons, and werewolves attacking me as well as my friends, and my family like my BFF Gianna, and my mom, dad, and my big sister Amanda, who was 8 years old when grammy died.”
--Amber
"I miss my grandpa named Pop Pancakes. He died of smoking and cancer. We had an oxygen tank to see if he is breathing. I love him so much. He would buy breakfast for us at McDonald’s. I miss him so much and was sad and crying. It was my mom’s dad. She misses him and I think prays for him.”
--Jordan, 10
"A couple weeks ago Larry Cox, a D.A.R.E officer, was shot and killed. He was a great man and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.”
--Jenni, 10
"Once, Grandma Silvia died. She was an excellent artist. Waaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!”
--Julia, 8
"I will NEVER forget the death of my pet hamster, Smokie. Here's what happened: I was coming home from school on January 21, and when I walked in the door, I saw that my dad's face looked solemn. He was sorry to announce that Smokie had died after I left for school. I mean, sure he slept a lot, but I'll still remember him. I have a new one now anyway.”
--Jackie, 11
"My great uncle died in Sept 2003 on Sept 6 and my mom got so upset she got put in the hospital for having her heart act up from bring depressed. And me and my twin were left at my grandma’s house 4 five days. My grandma got mad at me and all I could do was cry myself to sleep. He had served time in the army and air force so they had 4 men fold a flag to put on his casket. That was cool. And 4 men shot guns! He had helped lots of ppl in my family get to the doctor when they had no car, and even me. I loved him 4 that ‘cuz that was a very hard time 4 me, struggling with my asthma and what not. Everyone was there, all my ppl from different states who I never thought would show up but they did ‘cuz he helped them too! And the fact that everyone was there made me feel good. Even my aunts from Atlanta came to see him! That was a sad day, the saddest I’ve had yet, but I’m happy he’s in a better place and doesn’t have to worry anymore!”
--NCC, 12
"My dog Jake just had to be put to sleep today, because he was really sick. I'll always remember what a good and happy dog he was. I’m crying now, I have to go. I'll always love you, Jake.”
--Anonymous
"My great-grandpa died on April 6, 2005. He was 92. I'll always remember him.”
--Hannah, 12
"I was playing with our friend. Her Dad had taken down their big satellite and she was sliding on it with a sled so I told her that my dog Vader didn't like sleds. He was just being a good dog and following us around and she yelled at him so he came and licked her and she said, ‘Eeww’ and smacked him on the face. He bit her butt, so she ran to her Mom crying. Her Mom called my Mom and said what happened, and then her Mom called the police. They said that my Mom would have to put my dog to sleep. Shoot, I am crying right now! But my Mom didn't tell me until hours after they already did it. My little brother was so sad. I had had him since I was born! We are going to have a funeral for him. I just miss him so, so, so, so, much! I love you Vader! The thing I am going to do is fill a balloon with helium and tie a letter for him on it and let it go!”
--Jade, 10
“When I was in 4th grade my gerbil named Louie died. He was my first gerbil and I loved him a lot. He was a blondie gerbil. When I told my friend Brittany, I was crying and she gave me a big hug. I returned that favor by giving her a hug when her hamster Abby died. Now Brittany has a dog named Heidi.”
--Olivia, 12
"My grandma died before my brother was born, and he's 12! I didn't know her, but I'll meet her in heaven someday.”
--Abigail, 9
"My cat died just a few months ago. He was only 10 months old but a car hit him. We found him the next morning when a neighbor had seen him. I was so upset, I didn’t know what to do. My Teddy never did nothing wrong so my question to God is, ‘Why my Teddy, Why?’ He was so young and he never did nothing wrong. He gave you kisses in the morning, looked after his sister who we have still got, he played with us, he did everything and he couldn’t have been a better cat if he tried. But sadly someone just took my Teddy's wonderful life away for no reason. He didn’t deserve any of it but at least I do know that he is still in good hands at Rainbow Bridge. And just to say that people who have lost pets, my Teddy will look after them, he'd never hurt anything and always is willing to meet new friends. R.I.P. Teddy, we love you and your sister still misses you, don’t you worry about her baby, we love her too. Wherever you are, there’s always a place in our hearts where you will live forever and I promise I’ll come and see you one day and take care of you forever, mwah. R.I.P Teddy xxxxxxx.”
--Chloe, 11
"Recently my grandfather died. He meant everything to me, and it hurts so bad to think he'll never be there again. I wish he was still here with us, his family, but I guess that's selfish. I wish I could help ease my family's pain, though. xXx.”
--Heaven'sEyes
"Yes, I have just experienced death… with my grandma. She died of lung cancer this year (2005). I’m glad I had 10 years to grow and spend time with her. Also, my BFF Nicole was super supportive, along with her family. But no matter what, I still miss her.”
--Alexandra, 10
"Yes, my grandfather and uncle, I love them to death, and I wish they were still here, but they really still are. They are with me in my prayers and I know they are in a better place.”
--Kylia, 13
"Yes. My best friend's grandpa died and he was so nice. We had a hard time getting over it.”
--Nathan, 10
"My grandma is in a bad state of life. She is dying of different conditions. She has; heart disease, mesothelioma, liver cancer (in the terminal stage), and even more (I lost count). I know I have spent a lot of time with her, but I don't think it's enough. I can't see her now, because she is losing her hair and fingernails. But, I know that she lived a good life and that when she does pass away, she will rest in peace. My secret is to just accept the fact that she is going to die, no matter what.”
--Anonymous
"I remember that my brother set my house on fire and that killed my mom, my brother, and my sister. I know that they are in a better place, but I miss them and I still remember that my mom always took me to my dad’s every weekend.”
--Melba, 12
"Well before I was born, my 2 older sisters got to meet my grandpa, but they don’t remember him. I never got to know this wonderful man. My parents tell me about him, and I never got to use this word in my whole life: grandpa. In March my only grandma left died. I miss her sooo much. Everyone in my family misses her, I miss her the most.”
--Amy, 11
"My grandpa died when I was three years old. I miss him so much, and whenever I look at this page sometimes I cry. We called my grandpa Poppy, and he was so nice. He died from diabetes when he was about 73 years old. I remember that when we went to his funeral, I wore a fairy costume and I brought a wand. I thought that he was just sleeping, so I waved the wand over his head so that he would wake up. I was kind of puzzled when he didn't wake up. My mom picked me up and walked out to the hallway with me and said, ‘The reason why we're here is because something sad happened a few days ago,’ and I remember that since I was so little, I was 3, I had no idea what happened. ‘Poppy… He's um… Poppy died,’ I remember my mom saying. I started to cry, because I was so close to Poppy. Even though we lived in Connecticut and my family lives in Minnesota (we live in Minnesota now), we visited them every summer. I was really close to Poppy. It's been 7 years since we lost my grandpa! He died in May 1998. I miss him so, so much and I'll never forget how much I miss and love him.”
--Devin, 10
"My grandpa died and maybe I should think about him. And maybe if I eat what my grandma makes all the time maybe they will make me feel better. I'll think about all of them, even Will and grandpa and grandma.”
--Carly, 11
"My grandfather died on April 18 at 8:30 or 8:00pm and it is very hard for me to let him go. So it is hard for my mother too. I remember most that he used to call me Sugar Cookie. And my boyfriend calls me that and that makes me sad and think of him. I felt like I didn't spend enough time with him. This made me feel like I should have regretted it by not saying good-bye and not spend time when he was dying. But I said "I love you papa" and I wished he would have survived through the night but he didn't. I was very sad and he died on the week of my TAKS TEST and it really stinks!!!! Every time I am taking a test and everything goes quiet and it makes me think of him and I almost wanted to cry in front of everyone. I feels like I am now living in a regression, a sad world. I am trying to not cry in front of my friends and my boyfriend. It really hurts but I am trying to handle it and try to understand that he went up to heaven, and lives in a better, pain-free place. I do love my grandfather so much and I have learned that it is okay to cry but it is not okay to hold on to somebody that has died and not live your life. I have also learned that it is their time to go and let them go. They just have to because it was their time to go and you cannot control that at all. When somebody loves someone who died and I bet they have felt that they have gone ahead and felt that they were left behind by the person who died. Thank you for letting me write what I have to say."
--Megan
"I remember he would always be happy to see me every time I saw him, and he would always greet me as if I hadn't seen him for 70, 000 years.”
--Annie, 8
“My daddy died when I was eight. They told me to come down to the office one day and these kids thought I was in trouble. But my mom was there and so were all my siblings. She said, 'D'Janae, sugar pie, I have some bad news. Daddy just died. He had too much drugs in his body. ' And it's true. My daddy did drugs and was not healthy.”
--D'Janae, 9
"My Aunt Linda died from cancer about a month ago. Even though I really love her, I have never cried about it. Is that normal? I think that it is selfish to want people to always stay with you on earth. I am happy for my aunt because she was a Christian, so she gets to be in Heaven. I agree with Maegan [11], but I do think that you could have said it nicely.”
--Sarah, 11
"My best friend, Peaches, died 3 years ago and I still miss her. My mom just told me that we do have her ashes and they are in the kitchen. I had no idea! I didn't want her cremated and made her promise to not do it. Should I be angry with her for lying to me??”
--Nicolette, 11
"Well. My friend just killed herself. She was my best friend. I mean, we knew each other since we were in diapers. Literally! And in a couple months we were both just about to graduate 8th grade together and she can't. I really miss her. I've been hurting myself also since that happened and I've been to the hospital twice.”
--Michelle
"My grandpa died on July 9 2004. I remember all the good things he did for me.”
--Carissa, 11
"My great grandma died recently: July, 2004. I miss her. She had cancer. Why is it that everything you know and love just die suddenly? It's not fair, I hate it.”
--Natasha, 11
"I was on vacation in Hawaii, I was about 13 and I was having so much fun. Then our phone rang and it was my grandmother to tell us that my uncle that was 21 at the time was in the hospital because he had gotten shot! I was devastated. That same day we booked a flight for an early departure. When we got to the hospital my parents went in to see the doctor telling my family to start saying their goodbyes. My dad went first because that's his brother, and held his hand as a tear of pain rolled down his cheek. He looked at my uncle and said 'I love you man, and I am gonna miss you but everything is gonna be ok, I love you.... BYE.' And then my mom said 'I love you Pancho (which is his nickname) and she told him to squeeze her hand if he understood. He squeezed her hand and started to cry even though he couldn't with the tube down his throat. She told him to start praying because he really needed to let God know that he believed in him, so my uncle started to pray with my mom. After she was done he took his very last breath and the nurses ran in and pronounced him dead. That was the hardest thing to deal with, to witness his last breath first hand. About a month later we had a candlelight vigil where he was shot, and the news was there and everything. Another hard thing to deal with which is still bothering us is the fact that this man that shot him is still on the loose! But just because it's hard to deal with doesn't mean you can't move on because every time someone takes their last breath there is a baby taking its first so that makes me happy that he gave his last breath to start a new life for someone that's taking their first! All I have to say know is that he will always be here no matter what!!!!!”
--Clarissa
"My family, mom, dad, 3 sisters and 2 brothers, died in a car crash when I was 12. My dad saved me and my identical twin sister. We got to talk to our mom right before she died and she told us to stay best friends, and love no one more than each other, and count us as family, and stay closer to each other then anybody, and other stuff. About a month ago we were adopted. We've been through a lot: through foster homes that treated us bad, being spilt up... but now we're together with each other and we wouldn't have no other best friend but each other. And I am so glad I have her to go through this with and we get to trade places anytime we want isn't bad either :)."
--Jenny
"Yesterday my grandma died. I feel very sad. Tomorrow’s her funeral. Last time visited her she didn't even remember my name. I hope she was happy.”
--Darien, 9
"My Great-grandma was the nicest person in the world. She was on the news because she knitted shirts for the poor.”
--Danielle, 8
"My uncle died about 5 days ago. He had cancer for 7 years. And I feel so depressed.”
--Roseann, 12
"I lost my boyfriend and my best friend to drugs. I still remember every detail of his face. He was best bud since I was little and I lost him last year!”
--Mercedes, 13
"On March 15th, my uncle died at only 34. I was really sad, and I still am, but I KNOW he will go to heaven and be happy. I mean, if he was still alive, he wouldn't want us to mope around mourning, I’m pretty sure. I thought it was my fault because if I had been a better kid, he wouldn't have died. I still do, sometimes. If I could have said one more thing to him, it would have been ‘I love you’.”
--Yukina, 11
"When I was about 4, my grandmother died. She died on May 30, 1999. One thing I remember about her is that whenever I went over her house, she used to read me a Cinderella book. Also I remember that on the last day I saw her before she died, she gave me her scarf to borrow. Then a few days later, she died. When my mom told me, I ran in my room and cried. I did that because I was very close to her and I didn't expect her to do that. Then my mom explained to me what happened. I didn't know she had cancer and that's why she died. Now I keep her scarf in my bedroom and I always look at it remembering the good old times.”
--Lynn, 10
"When my Great Grandma died, I felt so horrible I didn't want to do anything with my friends, family, or even my pet. I just hung out in my room and felt sad for like a week. I stayed home from school for a week. When I came back to school all my friends had been so worried about me and asked why I hadn't been in school for a week. I was too sad to answer. The next morning I missed school again because I went to Great's funeral. And I learned something. I can be sad, but I should also be happy. Great is in a better place now: heaven. And she is happy there. And even though Great has left the earth, she will always be in my heart.”
--Muddgirl, 10
"My uncle died when I was 5 years old and well, it’s really sad because he wanted a job here at the United States and he was from Mexico. So he decided to walk all the way to Texas and he would make us laugh when we were sad about something and he would take us to get some Ice cream. And well, some people think that it's stupid about what he did about coming to Texas, but it is really sad because he had to help his family. And I miss him so MUCH so that same day he died and the police called my grandparents.”
--Sandra, 10
"In 2004 my dad’s dad died. We were at home my dad was playing a game. We got a call from my dad’s mom. She said ‘come over. ’ We got in to the car. I was so sad. My bother Zack, he was 5 years old. He did not know what was going on. I was crying. My brother looked at me and cried too. My dad took me home to my mom. I went to bed. The phone rang- it was my dad. He told me he was gone. I cried so much.”
--Kirsten, 11
"When I was in 4th grade my granddaddy died. He died 3 days after my sister’s birthday and 7 days before mine. He was the best person in the world to me. I remember he used to tell us stories about when he was in the army and he always played games with me and my sis. He would never say anything mean about anyone and he always (teasingly) would yell at my mom if she wasn't smiling. I still talk to him at night and I get signs that he is watching me in heaven so it's like only half of him died.”
--Morgen, 11
"When I was in fifth grade, my grandpa died 1.5 weeks before my 11th birthday. I knew that he was going to die soon, but not before my birthday. He died on Sept. 22, 2003. He gave me my 18-speed bike for my 10th birthday. He was a veteran of World War 2. Right now, my family and I are doing okay. It’s been over a year since he died. There was a flag folding ceremony at his funeral. Four guys shot guns in memory of him. For Veteran's Day later that year, my gifted class did the flag folding too, and I was one of the two that got to fold the flag! I’ll never forget Pop-Pop (Pop-Pop is what I called him).”
--Caitlyn, 12
“I just learned last week that my Yiayia (Grandma) Maria died. She was old, but she had lots of energy. No one made spanakopita and baklava like she did. I will miss you. This is from your granddaughter Sophie. By the way I am Greek. I will have to go to Greece for her funeral.”
--Sophie, 12
"I love and miss my cats Mojo and Weemer. One night Mojo just got really sick. He was in so much pain my mom had her friend take him to get put to sleep because she didn’t have the nerve to do it herself. He was huge, lazy, and very fluffy. He would come every time I would call him. Everyone loved him but him and I just always had a special bond. I miss him so much. I have dreams where I go to heaven for a day and visit him and I scratch his ears just like I used to. Our cat Weemer (a girl and Mojo’s sister) died a few months ago at the age of 18! My mom got her when she was finishing college. One day she went to the pet store and saw this ugly sick kitten. People would always come in the store and would try to hurt her physically and make fun of how ugly she was. My mom felt so bad for her she finally bought her. She nursed her back to health and they were the best of friends. What I remember most about her is that she was always playing with Mojo and was always so happy when she got her can of tuna on her birthday. I know that they are both in heaven though now, together. :)”
--Tasha, 10
"My great-grandpa died today at 7:00 and I was so sad. I remember when my great-grandma (his wife) died in 2002. He was sooooooooooooooooo sad. When he was 17 he was in a war and he almost died. Now he is in heaven with his wife.”
--Ashley, 11
"The thing I hate most is that I didn't have the guts to say goodbye to my mother. My dad said that even though I was only nine, I was the only one that could understand what she was saying. It was weird too. I thought that everyone could understand her. I hated that my relatives that came from remote places of the universe stayed the whole time, but right after she left us, they just left, never to be heard of again. THEY TOOK UP ALL MY TIME WITH HER AND THEN THEY JUST LEAVE!!! Like they really cared. She was the best mom in the world, but I’m already forgetting a lot about her. I don't remember anything but she prayed all the time. And sometimes if I concentrate really hard I can still picture her face. My heart aches every day, but I know that every time another day passes, I’m just that close to be with her again. And when that happens, I won't ever, ever, ever have to say goodbye.”
--Sarah, 12
"Hey everyone, I have had 3 people die and it really stinks! But I just have one question. Are any of you mad at that person that wrote, ‘Hey! This is for all of you guys that have lost a person. You know what? They're in a better place now!!’ They don't know how it feels to have someone die so don’t even say that! You wouldn't want someone saying that to you if you had someone die, would you? Well I don’t like it!!!!!! I'd rather have them here with me than in a better place! So what if they are in a better place! They aren't here with me!”
--Shelly, 13
“My little brother Joseph died yesterday from cancer and I am really really really sad. Yes he was a twerp but I loved him anyway. I remember when we visited my cousins in Kentucky. The oldest cousin would always let him ride on his dirt bike with them. He would always go 'WHEEEEEEE!’ It was really cute.”
--Michelle, 11
“My friend Steve who lives in Pennsylvania, his best friend died recently. He died from the flu. I didn't know that other kid but I bet Steve is real sad.”
--Olivia, 12
"My mom died January 2, 2003. I was 12. When me and my mom were coming from my doctor, on the way back home my mom said she could not breathe so I rolled down the window for her. That didn't work. I got scared and I felt like I was about to have an anxiety attack ‘cause I was so scared. I didn't know what to do so we were at a red light and that’s when she got worse and I told her to pull over and I got some help and a guy came over and helped. So the other guy came, and he went to someone’s house to tell them to call the ambulance. So they didn't come fast enough and my mom stopped breathing. I was crying and crying. I was shocked that it happened and they rushed her to the hospital and they kept doing CPR on her but no response, they said. So everyone came and was crying and they told us she had a little response, but still not good. So I came home from school and my sisters told me she passed. I was so confused I couldn't believe it.”
--Michelle
"Yes. My beloved mother passed away 3 years ago March 6. She died from a brain tumor. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a growth of cancer in the brain. All the time I feel it's my fault she's dead, because she was first diagnosed a couple days after I was born. They told her she only had 6 months to live, but she lived far longer than that. My dad smokes and I don't think that helped much. And now my dad says ‘he's in a depression’ so he makes me do almost everything in the house. Once, I tried to talk to him about me having depression, but he just said, ‘Kids can't get depression’ and lit up another cigarette.”
--Sarah, 13
"About three days ago I lost my snail Abby. It is really sad when someone you love or when a pet dies.”
--Jillian, 9
"Yeah, my kitten, Max. My friend Alana was also sad because I adopted Max from her. I even remember the day. It was on Easter, I think I was six. When I got back from church, my mom showed him to me. He was so cute! And my other kitty, Smokey, was probably really sad, too.”
--Emileigh, 11
"My friend Will died but I can remember him and he was a nice boy. I can think of my grandpa and even though I haven't heard his stories when he died I can remember him. He was in the army and his stories were really cool. My grandma was nice too, and I liked her. She was nice and liked everyone. I thought she was the nicest grandma ever.”
--Carly, 10
“Meaghan (11), I don't think it's nice what you said. Yes, they're in a better place. But I agree with Michelle (13). It's very hard to lose someone you love. My brother is now gone forever and I miss him a lot. This passage is in loving memory of Kit Anthony, November 30th 1986-January 19th 2005, a great son (to my parents) and the best brother ever.”
--Ruby, 8
“My gramma died yesterday. I miss her a lot. My other gramma is still alive though. I will miss Gramma Polina because she always made really good Polish desserts when we went to visit her. It was funny to hear her speak English because she would get things wrong, like 'Cingular Tigress' for 'Cingular Wireless.'”
--Kaia, 12
"I miss him soooo much. I cry everyday because I miss him. He died last year. We were sooooooo close together. I always ask myself why he had to be the one who had depression. I wish he could be back from heaven so I could see him again. I remember we went with him to go see his mom’s grave and it was locked so he had a gun and he put it so it was facing him. And I was running as fast as I could, so I could stop him and I was too late. So he was laying on the ground and I was by him crying as hard as I could.”
--Rachel, 12
"My half sister died. When she was 3 weeks old, she got sick. She died in the night, because she couldn't breathe. I was a big sister for exactly 3 weeks and 2 days.”
--Jenah
"My cousin died 5 years ago because of a asthma attack. At first I cried like you will normally do but then I thought ‘he's in a better place now.’”
--Krista, 12
"Well he was in depression and he killed himself so I remember that whole scene of what he did and now I cry everyday.”
--Rachel, 12
"Since my parents are really involved in our church, we always hear about it when someone dies. Before I was allowed to stay home alone. I hated going to the funerals because sometimes I hardly knew the person who died. And several times, when someone died and my little sister was crying, my parents asked if I wanted to talk about it and they said its ok to cry, but I wasn't really sad. I would just fake being sad, when I really was feeling fine so that my family wouldn't feel uncomfortable. But then I found out that they don't care how I feel, just as long as I’m respectful of other's feelings. :).”
--Kara, 13
"My grandpa died I was really sad :( I really liked him he was soooooooooo nice to me. I was really close to him. I hope I see him someday and I miss him so. And also my other awesome grandpa died. I actually never met him, he died just before I was born but I hear lots of wonderful stories about him from my dad! He is a very nice man, my dad says, I miss him so. :(. Also my cat died. I loved her so much, she was a awesome cat!:(:(:(.”
--Jordan, 10
"My grandma died when she was very old and my grandpa died when he had a heart attack and my friend Will died when he was 10 years old and they were very sad. I’m still alive and I was wondering, did your aunt or uncle die at a young age?”
--Carly, 10
"I remember his smile. We grew up together. I try to remember the good times. We were the best of friends and since his death my family has been telling me that I have an attitude problem. What should I do?”
--Maegan, 12
“My friend's little brother was stillborn and they were really sad about it. I was sad because I didn't get to go to the funeral.”
--Liz-Ray, 12
"Yes, I have experienced a death. Of my dad, it was last year and the last day of November, one cloudy afternoon. I remember one time when I was still about 6 years old my whole family drove all the way to Calgary (we live in Prince Rupert). That was the last thing I could remember until a year later, he was taken to the hospital because he was complaining of chest pains. I don’t remember much after that but the thing that stuck out in my mind, was that he was gone forever. Well here I am now, feeling the same as I did before that happened. I remember another thing, he died on a holiday in the Philippines (my parents’ hometown), it’s Heroes Day, so I think of my dad as a hero to me. No he is not the most heroic around the world, but the most heroic person in my heart.”
--Catherine, 10
"My grandpa passed away this year on Valentines Day and it was hard to accept the fact that he was really gone and I am still trying to accept it even though it has been about 3 weeks after he passed away. He was someone that when I was little I would be able to count on to pick me up from school and I miss him a lot but I say when you lose someone, just think about all the good times you had with them.”
--April
“My papa died and I blamed myself on it. After 6 years every night I can sit in his chair, in the dark, and listen to his stories.”
--Callie, 11
“My dad died a couple of months ago. He died from something with his heart but I can't exactly remember what. I remember how he used to play baseball in the dad's baseball game at our neighborhood's 4th of July party. He liked to take me to Yankees games a lot. My mom's new fiancé is really nice and he does a lot of stuff my dad used to do. When they get married my friend and I will be cousins because he is my friend’s uncle.”
--Julie, 13
“My dad died recently and I don't think it's fair because he got hit by a drunk driver and the drunk driver barely got a scratch on him.”
--Hannah, 13
“I haven't but someone I know is going to die soon. My brother Joseph has leukemia and his medicine is going wrong and we can't find a bone marrow donor. I'll miss his little laugh and the way he jumped on me when I was watching telly.”
--Michelle, 11
“Yes, I have dealt with death. One of my best friends passed away when I was eight. Now I am ten going on eleven in May. I always think about her all the time.”
--Shannon, 10
“Last year my aunt died of cancer. All her life she was really close to me and I could tell her everything because everyone knows sometimes it is hard to tell your parents. So I talked to her all the time, then all of the sudden she died and I had to go to school and it wasn't my best time at school because I didn't fit in because I just moved to that school.”
--Cheyenne, 11
"Last November I lost my pet fish named Amber. She was so pretty with the color of amber. Now I feel sad every time I watch the show Danny Phantom, the episode with the rockstar named amber. Or when I watch the girls’ room on the Amanda show when Amber is one of the girls.”
--Panda, 8
"My great grandpa died one month before my birthday and when I heard about it I cried so much I made a river of tears.”
--Ciara, 8
"Well when my dad died I took it really hard. I was only 9 and I was out of school for almost a month! And everyone in my family was heartbroken. And just 5 hours before he died I was talking to him and my brother had gotten into a fight with him and he died on my brother’s birthday, and when I was 3 my grandpa and grandma died.”
--Kaitlin, 13
"I remember the death of my older twin brother Mike. He was 2 minutes older then me. We used to say everything at the same time and we used to know what the other was thinking, and we did everything when we weren't separated in different schools. Then came the worst birthday ever, Mike had been at his friend’s house and he was being driven back on the day of our family birthday party. At about 4:30pm we got a call saying that they'd been in a serious car accident. We went to the hospital and I sat there all night with him and I remember him not being awake but I knew he was alive. I could read what he was thinking and the last thing he thought to me from what I remember is ‘I love you, don't let me die,’ but at 4:30 am, 10 hours after, we got the call he died from blood loss. It has almost been one year now, and my birthday will never be the same again. I think about him all the time and I will never not think about him but I know he'd hate it if he saw me being so upset, so I try to preoccupy myself. The sad thing is a lot of my friends don't know about it and that hurts a lot, especially when they ask how he is. I can never bring it up to tell them and I have to let someone who does know tell.”
--Cate, 12
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