Saying Goodbye to Grandpa” Puppet Play Helps Children Cope April 20, 2010

Joliet Area Community Hospice invites you to attend our hospice puppet play “Saying Goodbye to Grandpa” on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the St. Mary Immaculate Parish Unity/Stewardship Rooms located at 15629 South Rt. 59 in Plainfield.

It is important to know how to address loss and grief with our children. This play can help prepare children to deal with a future loss or to better understand a loss that has already occurred.

The puppet characters model ways that adults and children can discuss the death of a loved one and how to cope. Children learn about funerals and grieving in a non-threatening and entertaining way.

Joliet Area Community Hospice has performed this play for over 15 years to various community groups. A comment often heard from parents is “I wish that I’d seen something like this when I was a child.” Although the play is geared towards children aged 5-13, it has been well received by all ages.

Whenever possible we suggest parents and children attend this program together. A hospice social worker will be available to answer audience questions and address any concerns.

Please invite your family, interested friends, and children to attend. No registration is required. There is no cost.

For further information, contact Tom Barkauskas, LCSW at 815-740-4104 or e-mail barkauskas@joliethospice.org. This program is sponsored by the St. Mary’s Immaculate Wellness Committee.

For more information about St. Mary Immaculate Parish and its many services, please call 815-436-2651 or go to www.smip.org.