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Registration (PDF) | Flyer (PDF) | Letter from the Director | My Hero (story) You'll Always Be My Hero
We have provided this unduplicated service for grieving children in our community for the last 12 years and appreciate your continued support. We could not do it without you. We need your help and ask for your generous gifts that forever impact and improve the lives of these impressionable children. You'll Always Be My Hero.
With much appreciation,
Copyright © 2004-2008 Childrens Grief Center |
Little Adrian Herrera was 10 years old when his cousin, Michael Torres, was killed in the war in Iraq on July 4th, 2004 (July 5th in Iraq) at the age of 21. Michael was a Marine and loved serving his country. When he was home in El Paso, he was a father figure and role model to Adrian and loved spending time with him playing ball, attending his school functions and looking out for the "little guy." When Adrian's mom, Dyana, received notice that her nephew had died, she was devastated. The shock and disbelief that she and Adrian felt were immeasurable. Michael had told Adrian that he would soon return, he promised.
Adrian and his mom came to the Children's Grief Center shortly thereafter. Adrian was having difficulty in school, his grades had dropped and he was angry, very angry. He was angry at the people that had killed his cousin and taken this father figure and left him with an empty hole in his heart. Adrian's mom felt cheated. This was the third death following the recent death of Adrian's grandfather and grandmother a year earlier. As Dyana said, "when we first started coming to the Children's Grief Center, I felt resentful. We shouldn't have to be here. I was mad at the world and taking it out on the one's that I loved. I soon realized that Adrian and I could express that anger at the Center and not be criticized for it. There were other families just like us. After some months, I started to notice a change in myself and I was sleeping better as was my son. 
My family noticed the change in us even before we did." At the Center, Adrian was more comfortable sharing loving stories and not feeling self conscious when he cried. As time progressed, he too was comfortable talking about the man that played such an important role in his life. For several months, Adrian expressed that he felt Michael's presence and that Michael was "looking out for him." "I'm glad that we found the Children's Grief Center. I want my son to be healthy and happy again. We will never forget Michael and he will always be my son's hero. At least I know now that we can move forward as we honor his memory." The Children's Grief Center makes a difference in the lives of grieving children and their families as with 8 year old Adrian and his mom, Dyana. As we bear witness to their pain and courage, we are inspired by the possibilities of strength and hope for this young family and their future.