What if you knew someone (young) who lost both their parents?

This was an assignment for class last week (08/08/2009) to write for seven and nine year old children who has lost their parents.  These were my thoughts (earned an A).
 

Lisa and Brad;

I know this is hard for you. There are a lot of people around right now that you don't really know.  They're here because they loved your mom and dad. Maybe . . . maybe almost as much as you did. And in their own way, each of them loves you very much as well, and would do almost anything to help that you asked them to.

There isn't anyone you know, who can fully explain to you why your mom and dad are gone from this life. Some folks would tell you that things just happen to all of us whether we want them to or not. Some folks will tell you that God needed your mom and dad more than you did because He had a job for them in heaven to do. I know that for your mom and dad, you were the most important people in their lives.

What I will tell you is that I, my family, and more people than you could possibly think about right now, love you. We want you to be healthy, happy, and grow to be whatever it is in this life that you want to be. I understand that it's hard, and it's OK to cry, to be angry, to want to shout at God, or each other or someone else in your family because letting your mom and dad go isn't easy. No matter how old you are. But even though you don't see them right now, you don't have to really let them go.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. In your heart and mind, find your mom and dad. Remember all, and I do mean all of the wonderful things they did with you and for you while they were here. Sometimes, we remember the things they did that didn't make us so happy either. When we did something they didn't like, or punished us in some way, but really, those should be good memories too because they were trying to teach us something.

Can you see them? Can you hear their voices in your head? Let me know when you can, and if you can't right now it's OK. You will. Hold onto that. When we get a little farther along from all this activity that comes whenever a family member passes, I want you to write some of those things you remember down. Or draw a picture. Whenever you remember something about your mom or dad, together or alone with just mom or dad, I want you to write it down or draw a picture to help you remember later on too. We have lots of pictures of all of you playing, laughing; blowing out birthday candles; opening Christmas presents, at soccer games and more that you can look at whenever you want. Just ask.

While we can't see your mom and dad next to us, or sit on their laps, we can always remember them and feel their presence in our hearts, and in our minds. And as long as we do, a part of mom and dad will always be with us.

If you need anything, the funniest, wildest craziest thing you can think of . . . I want you to ask one of us. That doesn't mean you'll get what you want immediately. None of us hardly ever get what we want right away; we have to work for what we want, right? You already know that because you had wonderful parents who taught you every day. But everyone around you right now, loves you more than you could possibly know. And, so does God. And you'll know how much God loves you, by how much love you feel from all of us.

So, what would you like to do right now? Is there something we can do for you? Are you hungry? Do you just need a hug or some quiet time right now? Tell me what I can do for you, right now . . . ."

There is a precious gift, no matter who we're with, of being in the moment and meeting their needs.