Children and Grief – Help for the residents of Newtown, CT – PART TWO
December 29, 2012
Hosted by Marianna Cacciatore
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Guest Information
Episode Description
After the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, I felt moved to offer what I could to the residents and others who wish to learn about how to be there for someone who is grieving a death. This week in Part Two of our discussion, I will focus my comments on how to be there for children. You will learn there is no “one size fits all” formula for helping our kids overcome their losses, however there are some basic guidelines that will help you to be more present, less frightened, and more skillful with them. Having been a child who experienced the kidnapping and murder of my best friend when we were only 11 years old, I will offer a first-hand perspective of what helps and what doesn’t as seen through the eyes of a child. It is difficult to imagine wishing for anyone more lovingly attentive than Marianna Cacciatore. She has literally spent the bulk of her life listening for where life refuses to wither, especially in the presence of the most painful loss, grief, and death. –Wayne Muller
Bread for the Journey Radio
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Today’s news is filled with stories that break our hearts. On Bread for the Journey Radio, you’ll hear stories that help mend it back together. Join Marianna Cacciatore as she interviews ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, often small and always meaningful, to make our world a better place. Some, like Marianna, have suffered a tragedy, and, as a result, have created something beautiful to bring others healing. Others are helping women in crisis, making life better for children living in poverty, greening their neighborhood, or any number of creative things that make their community more beautiful, healthy, and connected. These women, men and young people inspire us to think about our own lives, and what we can do to make a difference in the world. Their stories become Bread for our Journey, inspiration and nourishment for a life well lived.
Marianna Cacciatore
Most would agree Marianna Cacciatore’s life has been one well-lived. Through her work over 25 years with people who are working to bring about a better world, she has a unique vantage point from which to tell the stories we don’t generally hear in the media today. Marianna possesses the rare gift of presence, a deep listening which evokes in people the desire to tell their story.
Having suffered a childhood tragedy that spiraled downward into her teens and young adult years, she eventually turned things around and created a grief center that has brought healing to thousands of people. She recounts the full story in her book, Being There for Someone in Grief. Today, she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of Tu Nidito in Tucson, Arizona, the parent agency for the organization she founded in 1988 called Children to Children, a Center for Children and Families in Grief.
Everyday Marianna meets ordinary people doing extraordinary things through her work as Executive Director of Bread for the Journey, a philanthropic organization with 20 locations nationally. Each volunteer-run chapter practices neighborhood philanthropy in their respective communities, helping everyday people bring their community-minded ideas to life. The Bread for the Journey vision is to nurture the seed of generosity in every human heart and Marianna’s life is a living expression of just that. Join her as she ignites the heart of generosity in you.
