Hoppy, the red-eyed tree frog, was my grandson, Will’s birthday gift on his 8th birthday. He had been begging for a pet and was over the moon. Hoppy was beloved, not only by Will, but also by his brother and sister. Sadly, Hoppy died today and with his death, he has given these crying children the best gift he could give them. He is teaching them about death, loss, grief, heaven and healing. As sad as it is to watch them cry, I am reminded that learning to grieve after the death of a pet gives us an opportunity to teach children how to grieve in a healthy ways that will eventually lead to healing. And while a pet’s death is heartbreaking, it prepares the child for the other deaths they will

I write this as I try to process the events of the past days where racial tension has hit new heights in the US, where a terrorist attack happens at least twice a week world-wide and politics are as ugly as I can ever remember. We are delusional if we think that our children are immune from the tension we are all experiencing. Whether your household is one where the news is openly talked about or whether you try your best to shelter your children from upsetting events, your children and grandchildren are affected. 1) Calm yourself. Pray, meditate, talk to a close friend, work out … do whatever helps you to calm down. Your child and grandchild will “feed” off of your tension. The more calm an

Dory suffers from short-term memory loss and is not afraid to admit it. She accepts it, faces it, does not let it hold her back. She is a model of resiliency and authenticity! Hank is a crabby octopus cares only for himself until he is transformed by the love and acceptance of Dory and becomes part of her community. Baily, a beluga whale, suffers from low self-esteem about his sonar abilities and Destiny, a whale shark, is nearly blind. They help each other and overcome their anxieties. It is friendship and true community at it’s best. Marlin, Nemos’ dad says something he wishes he hadn’t, suffers guilt and is forgiven. Nemo, in true “a child shall lead them” fashion encourages his dad to se