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Any suggestions to assist a child with grieving would be appreciated. I'm jumping the gun here, but my son has had majorly intense grief reactions in the past. He is also still in denial that his birthmother means anything to him. I am anticipating a few significant losses in this upcoming year and feel all these issues will compound his grief.

My grandmother has not been doing well lately. She is amazing for 97, but is starting to have mini-strokes. Is back in the hospital for the second time in 1 month. She has rallied each time, but she is ready to die and I am already preparing myself for her loss. I have talked with my son about this, and tried to explain in 9 year old terms why she is ready to die. She has been a big part of our lives. My son's therapies have taken us to Buffalo frequently over the past 2 years and we have visited with her just about every time.

Additionally, our aging black lab is not likely to make it through another winter. It's very likely we'll be putting her to sleep once cold weather hits again. This dog has been in his life since placement almost 6 years ago. A friend is breeding her lab in the fall, and we intend to get one of the puppies - so hope this will help although timing might not be exactly right.

Overall my son is doing really well. I just want to be prepared ahead of time to handle his grief appropriately.

Thanks. DimasMom