Four Good Days

DebiAnn Henderson adds a story of resilience with a bonus personal journal to the “Sorry For Your Loss” collection of Grief Counseling Resources for Children. Four Good Days is a story about a 7th great student who has been living with a chronic illness for several years. Despite her illness, she doesn’t let it stop her from being active most of the time. In this story, the lead character Kayla is selected by the students at her school as the chairperson to represent their committee for a district fundraiser. The fundraiser’s goal was to support those families affected or who have suffered significant loss during the pandemic, otherwise known as The Covid-19 Outbreak.
Kayla’s contagious personality, and beautiful way of sharing hope, gain national attention to the project, however just before the big event, Kayla’s illnesses force her into the hospital. Naturally, she’s upset and very disappointed, and overcome with grief. Thankfully, one of the caring nurses on her treatment team walks Kayla through the five stages of sorrow. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. At the end of the story, the lovely nurse provides Kayla with a journal and encourages her to record her feelings and find peace amid her pain.
Often, we find ways to deal with our pain through actions. Becoming a worker bee and sometimes addicted to volunteering brings a sense of normalcy to one’s life. Never knowing when you’ll have enough strength to be active. You tend to take advantage of those days where you’re feeling just fine. Doing way too much becomes a survival technique. Likewise, the opposite occurs on those bad days. Those living with a chronic illness can become very frustrated and overwhelmed when things don’t go right because of their illnesses. Encouraging young people to find peace and happiness every day will bring those times of enjoyment back to their memory during times of struggle. Journaling is one powerful tool. It will enable one to release frustration and feelings of fear. We all have those feelings we dare not speak out loud or can’t share with anybody else. This story/journal book aims to help young people find the power of journaling as a helpful resource for dealing with sorrow.