Healing Young Hearts: A Day of Connection, Creativity, and Comfort
Written by Myrna Jordan, HaysMed Hospice Social Worker and Bereavement Coordinator
On Saturday, March 28th, HaysMed sponsored a meaningful and heart-centered event—the Healing Kids’ Hearts Retreat—designed to support children navigating the difficult journey of grief.
Six children, ages 5–11, participated in this special day. While small in number, the impact was profound. Each child was paired with a trained “buddy,” creating a safe and supportive one-on-one connection that lasted throughout the day. These buddies provided not only guidance through activities but also a steady presence—someone to listen, encourage, and simply be there.
The retreat offered a variety of hands-on, expressive activities tailored to help children process their emotions in developmentally appropriate ways. Participants created shadow boxes to honor their loved ones, designed sun visors and keychains, made bracelets, and painted rocks. They also shared in quieter, reflective moments—listening to a story, blowing bubbles filled with messages to loved ones, and engaging in gentle conversations about their feelings alongside peers who understand their loss.
Grief in children often looks very different than it does in adults. While adults may have the words and emotional awareness to process loss more directly, children frequently express grief through play, creativity, and intermittent bursts of emotion. They may move in and out of their grief quickly, laughing one moment and feeling sadness the next. Opportunities like the Healing Kids’ Hearts Retreat honor this unique process by providing a safe space where children can both express and take breaks from their grief in a healthy, supported environment.
Equally important, the retreat reminded participants that they are not alone. Being surrounded by other children who have experienced loss fosters connection, normalizes their feelings, and helps reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies grief.
This meaningful event would not have been possible without the generosity and support of local sponsors, including Thirsty’s, Hays Tees, Hays Memorial Chapel, Five Star Auto Repair, the FHSU Nursing Association, Midwest Energy, and the dedicated HaysMed Hospice Volunteers. Their contributions helped create an environment filled with compassion, creativity, and care.
The Healing Kids’ Hearts Retreat is a powerful reminder that even in the face of loss, healing can begin with connection, understanding, and the simple act of being seen and heard.
Plans are underway for the 2027 Healing Kids’ Hearts Retreat with a tentative date set for Saturday, April 3, 2027.
