What Cloud Is My Daddy In?

Book excerpt: Experiencing loss, whether sudden or expected, is extremely challenging at any age. Since children often do not have friends who have had a similar experience, they may find this to be a scary, overwhelming and lonely time. A little turtle loves doing fun things with Daddy, including playing golf together. Suddenly the turtle’s world is turned upside down when Dad falls ill and goes to the hospital. When the turtle’s mother says, “Daddy has gone to heaven to live with God”, the turtle must somehow learn to live without him. The turtle misses Daddy so much. While the little turtle wonders if Dad is living in a cloud, family members and friends help lead the turtle through many feelings during the first year following the dad’s death. Through this experience, the young turtle learns that it is okay to cry, laugh and be happy, as well as to forever love Daddy! In this beautifully illustrated and touching tale, a young turtle learns how to deal with loss and grief after the turtle’s father suddenly dies. The turtle is left believing Dad is watching and sending love from his heavenly cloud. This book provides numerous recommendations for adults supporting the grieving child. These include suggestions for honoring memories, creating tangible remembrances, and working through shared grief in a gentle and supportive way.