Students,

For many of you, this is the first time you've ever had to go through this kind of grief; and, therefore, you may be experiencing times of sadness to a level where it's hard to eat, sleep, or even be a part of the things you are normally a part of. That's very natural. Here are some things we'd like to suggest to help you through this hard time.

• It's important to eat and stay active every day.
• It's important to get plenty of rest.
• It's important not to isolate yourself, but stay with family and friends
  
  It's natural for some of you to feel like crying; so if you feel like crying, don't force yourself not to.
  For others of you, it may be just as natural to feel as if you can't cry. That's normal too, don't feel guilty for not crying. Grief effects people in different ways.

One thing that would be good for all of you, is to take some time to write out what you're feeling and thinking. Even if you wake up in the middle of the night and your mind is racing from all that has occurred, grab a piece of paper and write out all of your thoughts and feelings -then try to go back to sleep.

Throughout this time, talk with your parents, teachers, coaches, counselors, or youth pastors; whoever you feel like you can talk to about what you're feeling.