Bereavement Services - The Colors of Healing

The Colors of Healing is a family-centered bereavement program that offers you and your family an opportunity to learn about the wide range of feelings and emotions associated with grief. Our hope is that our programs will help you to enter into a supportive, focused healing process. We offer a variety of programs throughout the year. The programs provide an opportunity for families to meet one another for support and understanding. There is solidarity in grief that can be experienced as one family meets another.

The Colors of Healing Bereavement Programs

Annual Conference - A Family Day Together

Each year The Children’s Hospital Bereavement Program sponsors a family conference called ‘A Family Day Together.’ At this conference, we have guest speakers who address grief issues unique to the death of a child. It is a time to reconnect with other families you may have met through your experience at The Children’s Hospital, or to meet other families in situations similar to your own.

Grief Support Groups

Many parents find comfort knowing they are not alone in their grief. There can be a sense of peace and healing when parents who have had a child die come together. Grief support groups are held at least twice a year at The Children’s Hospital, where bereaved parents learn about the grief process. A Spanish-speaking group is held once a year. Typically, these groups are 8-10 weeks long. A sibling support group is also held, depending upon the number of siblings interested in participating.

Photo Album Workshops

Photographs record precious memories. In the case of a child who has died, those photos become even more precious. Twice a year we offer a day-long workshop where you can build a photo album in a supportive atmosphere with other bereaved parents. No experience is necessary. We provide the supplies and the guidance to help you build a beautiful memory.

A Time to Remember

At The Children’s Hospital, we annually remember all of the children who have died in the past year. We do this by offering a time for you, your family and the staff of The Children’s Hospital to come together. We have music, special readings, an activity for brothers and sisters, and a special gift for you, in memory of your child. Typically, the service is held on a weekend, which affords time for those of you who have many miles to travel. You will receive an invitation and we hope you can attend. It can be a meaningful time for you, your family and friends to share, as a time to remember your child.

Library Services

There are a number of books and pamphlets written regarding the unique death of a child and the grieving process that follows. Bereaved parents have authored many of these books. We have books available that deal with infant and children’s death, sibling grief, the unique grief of teenagers, how to deal with gender differences, as well as, how to plan for the holidays. A number of these books can be found in the Family Health Library, located on the first floor of The Children’s Hospital, where the librarian would be happy to help you with selections. We would also love to hear from you if you have found a book or pamphlet to be particularly helpful.

Bereavement Coordinator

A Bereavement Coordinator is available to you and your family members to answer questions, and to provide support throughout this difficult time. The Bereavement Coordinator has current information regarding supportive services at The Children’s Hospital, community groups and professional counselors. The Coordinator can also assist you in researching support and assistance in your hometown either in Colorado or out of state.