December 30, 2004

Santa brings joy to grieving children

Santa’s annual visit with the Kids’ Group at Hospice of the Valley has become a tradition, bringing a moment of joy to young children’s lives during a difficult time in their lives—their first holiday season without their loved ones.

Santa’s visit surprised over 25 children ages 5 and up who attend group called “Littles, Middles and Parents of Grieving Children” support group.

Eight-year-old Caroline Cotta is surprised to learn that Santa knew she was going to spend the holidays in England.

“Parents earlier were expressing some angst over the holiday festivities and taking their children to the mall to see Santa,” said Bridget Flynn, MFT/AT, and assistant director of Bereavement Services of Hospice of the Valley.

“So, parents were equally surprised with Santa’s visit, which took some of the holiday pressure off them.”

“My daughters Caroline and Christina look forward to Kids’ Group,” said Kate Cotta of San Jose. “They are with other children of their age who have lost someone. It’s been helpful for them to know that they are not alone and the Parents of Grieving Children support group for me has been helpful, too. Santa’s visit was very special for us all.”

“It makes my heart smile to be able to put a smile on their face, to hear them laugh and to bring some joy to these children and their parents during this time,” said Santa. “I hope someday when they look back, they will remember this special time with Santa.”

“It’s all about the children in all of us and bringing some joy into the lives of the children and families we have the honor and privilege to serve,” said Sally Adelus, executive director of Hospice of the Valley. “We can always count on Santa to make the children smile with joy.”

For 25 years, Hospice of the Valley, a nonprofit hospice, has been providing bereavement support to families served and to community members of Santa Clara County by providing a broad range of grief and art therapy workshops and ongoing loss-specific support groups for adults, as well as for age-specific support groups for children and teens. For information and pre-group interview, call Hospice of the Valley’s Bereavement Department
at (408) 947.1233 or e-mail request@hospicevalley.org or visit www.hospicevalley.org.