If I Could Tell You Letters
Suggested Group(s): Middle/Teen/Adult
Purpose: To provide an opportunity to express things that one didn't have the opportunity to say and/or continue the conversation about what's happening now
Task/need: Converting the relationship…to one of memory, relate the loss to a context of meaning
Activity Setup Ideas:
- Discuss the fact that when somebody dies there are often things that we would like to be able to say, but haven't because that person is no longer physically present.
- What types of things could still be unsaid to the person who died?
- Even though the person is not present, are there ways to express those statements or questions?
- How do you think it would feel to say those things?
Materials:
- Paper
- Pens or fine tip markers
Description: After discussion, allow group members to write letters to the family member who died to include things that they would like to have said or would like to say now to that person.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas: After completing the letters, they can be kept by the group members or (if group members wish) given to a volunteer to be ceremoniously burned (and returned to the earth) or shredded.
