Hospice of the Red River Valley is dedicated to offering compassionate and nurturing grief services to children of all ages who are coping with the loss of a loved one. A cornerstone of these services is our annual Children’s Grief Retreat, which took place on June 19th at That’s the Dream Farm in Glyndon, Minnesota.
That’s the Dream Farm is a hidden gem nestled between the Fargo-Moorhead and lakes area. The Farm is known for frequently hosting groups facing significant life challenges, including trauma. Dawn and her team at That’s the Dream Farm eagerly shared in our commitment to supporting our grieving youth, affirming this was the ideal venue for the retreat.
We truly had a special day with all the children learning the meaning of grief, how it feels, and how we can cope with it in healthy ways. We learned the value and importance of remembering our loved ones as we made memory boxes; a special place to hold pictures and other meaningful mementos of their special person. A nature walk around the farm’s perimeter allowed the attendees to spend time with the horses, chickens, and farm staff, while playful cats and dogs offered additional comfort and companionship.
A fan favorite activity was goat yoga, led by a certified yoga instructor. The children and goats enjoyed one another’s company while learning the benefits and importance of moving our bodies and staying active. To conclude our time together the children were joined by a special adult or their families for a picnic and tree-planting ceremony in remembrance of their loved ones. It was an honor to see big and small hands working together, planting the dirt around the tree. Planting the tree together symbolized how, through our efforts and time, we can grow and heal, just like the tree that will eventually grow strong roots and bloom.
A special thank you to the Cullen Foundation and That’s the Dream Farm for supporting this event and helping our grieving youth.
