WHEREAS, there are over 1.8 million children under the age of 18 living in Virginia, and over 44,000 children in the commonwealth receiving social security survivor benefits; and over 10% of minors are being raised by someone other than a parent, and
WHEREAS, young people are affected by any loss, including parental divorce, the death of siblings, grandparents, and pets, loss of home and national tragedies, and
WHEREAS, to be in relationship with others is to experience grief as those relationships end and change; and
WHEREAS, children feel and grieve with the same intensity as adults, but often lack the words and broad understanding of the events that change the course of their lives, thereby coming to be known as the invisible mourners; and
WHEREAS, children’s experience of loss and grief is poorly understood by many adults; and
WHEREAS,the experience of loss in childhood, while painful and isolating, can be a cornerstone in developing empathy and appreciation for life; and
WHEREAS, grieving children need the support and understanding of their neighborhood, school, local and state communities; and
WHEREAS,the Commonwealth of Virginia loves and honors her children;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy Kaine, do hereby recognize April 2009 as THE MONTH OF THE GRIEVING CHILD in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.