“Since we started with the Solace Tree I believe the 3 of us have started on our path of recovery. There is a sense of acceptance and normalcy that we couldn’t find anywhere else but the Solace Tree.”

“What helped me is being able to discuss my feelings with people who are going thru the same things my family is.”

“Solace Tree gives us a place to be able to talk about our loss where people understand us.”

“what helped me the most is knowing that there are people my age and older out there that understand me and care how I feel. Knowing there is still life after death.”

“Learning the ways others cope with losses is so helpful.”

“My daughter has opened up so much since our first meeting. She looks forward to the time we have here. I have also had positive thoughts every time I come.”

“Being able to talk - listening to my daughter talk and knowing that my granddaughter is not alone”

“Knowing my son is getting the help he needs. Getting understanding and support from peers….unconditional.”

“Solace Tree has helped us both process the tragedy and move fwd with life.”

“What helped me was to have my daughter participate with other teen who have the same experiences.”

“Very good for both adults and children. Kids really love this program.”

“Just being able to talk about feelings as well as listening to what others are going thru has greatly helped me.”

“what helped me the most is just talking about it. It is easier to talk at Solace Tree because everyone knows where you are coming from.”

“I’ve been able to understand the different levels of grief and am better equipped to deal with my own as well as my children.”

“my nieces and I went from a dark, sad place not knowing where to turn, a friend recommended The Solace Tree. The kids have made a complete turn around, they’ve made friends and are happy again. It’s wonderful to see.”

The parts of the talk that were especially pointed at the situation we had all just experienced was particularly helpful. For people that were on the fence about "talking about death" the philosophy seemed to have more impact when we entered the discussion as it related to the specific family who experienced a loss.

The times during the discussion when other parents shared their experiences in talking to their kids as well as points where Emilio encouraged parents to share how they may answer if a child asked a specific question was really powerful and helpful as we move forward.

My husband and I always knew that we would have an honest discussion with our child about the situation, but I felt Emilio's group session empowered us and gave us tools to do so without hesitation.

It was so helpful when Emilio gave us a few phrases and specific semantics for talking with our preschooler. ("This person was very, very, very, very, very sick and the doctors did their very, very, very, very very best.") It helped that we had a few key phrases that we were going to use in unison as parents.

My group has encouraged me to talk about my loss

I miss my mommy everyday

Moving forward did not mean forgetting my past

I never feel stupid asking questions about my daddy’s death

Everyone is kind and really listens

It makes me feel good about talking about my brother. The volunteers are amazing because they just listen. I know I am not the only one going through this.

“It gives me a safe place to grieve. I always look forward to coming to Solace Tree.”

The Solace Tree is that safe place. Kids have the place, and parents have the support. "My dad" was also someone's husband. "My brother" was someone's son. "My grandma" was someone's mom.

Solace. You'll find it here.

I'm so happy to know a place like this exists. It reveals a higher consciousness and more compassionate heart.