2.  In paragraph form, write about a loss you experienced. What type of loss did you experience and how did you cope with this loss?  OR  Write about a friend who experienced a loss? What type of loss did they experience and how did you help them cope?  *5-8 SENTENCES  *10 MINUTES TO COMPLETE

3.  What are some losses you experienced?  How did you cope?  Have you had a friend experience a loss? What did you do to help them cope with their loss?

4.  A grief reaction is an individual’s total response to a major loss. This reaction can take many forms and stages, from feelings of emptiness and sadness to anger.  Death  Loss of a Pet  Break-up  Loss of a job  Athletic Competition  Loss of a friendship  Change of school or neighborhoods

5.  Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross – a psychiatrist who identified the 5 stages of dying and grieving people may go through.  Stage 1: DENIAL  Stage 2: ANGER  Stage 3: BARGAINING  Stage 4: DEPRESSION  Stage 5: ACCEPTANCE

6.  Denial is a person’s initial reaction to any loss.  At this stage a person has experienced a significant loss but does not believe the loss occurred.

7.  The “Why Me?” stage.  During this stage the person may be critical, demanding, or uncooperative.

8.  The reality of the loss sets in and anger subsides at this stage.  This is the stage when a person my pray or promise to change if the lost person or object can be returned

9.  This stage is marked by silence and withdrawal.  All the earlier feelings of disbelief, anger, and rage are replaced with a deep sense of sadness.

10.  This is the final stage.  This stage involves a sense of power that allows the person to accept the loss and move on.  Stages of Loss Stages of Loss  Sprinkles Sprinkles  Giraffe Giraffe

11.  Be available to talk, or just be with the person when your wanted.  Be a good listener.  Be patient.  Share fond memories.  Respect their way of grieving.  Write a Note/Card.

12.  Avoid asking a lot of probing questions.  Avoid making suggestions about how something else will make up for the loss.  Do not take rejection personally the person may just need time to be alone.

13.  Will – a document that states the final wishes of a person including; possessions, children, funeral arrangements, and finances. A basic document can cost $50 or a more complicated document, $1,000.  What needs to be in a will? What needs to be in a will?

14.  Living Will – A document that clearly states your wishes if you should need medical technology or medicine to keep you alive.  Examples:  DNR  Ventilator

15.  Estate Plan – A final plan that helps minors or incapacitated people manage the financial plans and last wishes of a family member or friend. Many times it involves lawyers and legal procedures which will make it the most expensive final planning document.  An “estate” includes  Real Estate  Bank Accounts  Stocks  Life Insurance  Personal Property – cars, jewelry, etc.  What is the state of their financial affairs? What real and personal property do they own? Who gets what? Does a personal guardian need to be appointed to care for minor children? How much tax will need to be paid in order to transfer property ownership? What funeral arrangements are appropriate?

16.  Letter of Instruction – A NON-LEGAL document that instructs family/friends of your final wishes and can help family and friends before the will is read.  Allows the writer to leave personal messages.