When Cullin died, our family decided to unite, revive and uplift others, even when we were feeling so deflated.  Little by little, we began to breathe life into ourselves and others by turning our empty, achy arms into helpful, hope-filled hands by incorporating creative healing strategies and connecting with other bereaved families through Scared Sidless initiatives like ©Camp Cullin, a Retreat from Grief for siblings of loss and their parents.  Each July, grieving siblings meet at camp to participate in team building activities, healing techniques, art therapies.  Most importantly, they connect with kids just like them, children living without their brother or sister. United by death and love, they feel safe to express their feelings, share the burden of grief, and open up, or sit back choosing to listen and relate to the stories shared by the other.  At Camp Cullin they come alive. They honor their siblings.  They connect.  They teach the parents a thing or two about grief, healing, life, and living as we watch them:

• Have fun and play, enjoying each of the moments that provide laughter, joy, even tears and pain.

• Grab their friend’s hand, asking them to join

• Make new memories with the loved ones of today, while remembering the love ones of the past.

• Believe in the unseen, watch for the magic in life, and use imagination to combat the stifling effects of grief.

• Act courageously enough to listen with empathy and speak with intent