Representing the Grieving Child

Attached (page 16) is an article I wrote about a young girl whose mother died from mesothelioma. The mom was 39. The child was only 9. How does one represent the grieving child? To find out, I consulted with several child psychologists and read everything they recommended. Since I did not want my young client to testify in court, I had her evaluated by a psychologist so that the professional could testify on her behalf.

Though I am not a doctor, I have always felt a kinship with the oncologists who care for my clients. We try to solve problems we did not create. We do our very best, and care deeply, for someone who is dying. Losing them will be painful, but we do it anyway. I believe I was called to this work.

-Ron Shingler