Nikki Bonkoski
-hope dealer-
Transforming despair into hope, one day and one year at a time.
Little Sunflower Story
A heartwarming letter for children who are navigating grief after the death of their daddy.
Experiencing the loss of their daddy is much like a child sailing through a stormy sea—it's one of the toughest journeys they will encounter! As the surviving parent or caregiver, your goal is to be their beacon of support, helping them navigate their grief and recognize those powerful, swirling emotions. However, let's be honest: finding the right words to comfort them can seem like a daunting challenge. That's where Annie steps in, ready to provide a gentle, supportive hand! Annie, still a child herself, will write to your little one about her own recent experience of losing her daddy and how she is managing her feelings during this tough time. Storybooks, picture books, and letters like this hold such significance for children – they mirror their own perspectives.
PDF sent via email, which you can easily download and print. Once printed, place it in an envelope addressed to your child from Annie, and slip it under their bedroom door during the night.
Or a physical copy mailed directly to your address, personally addressed to your child from Annie.
This is a creation my own children would have cherished when they were younger, and I feel privileged to place this into the hands of your little sunflowers as they heal their grieving hearts.
This example letter is not fully displayed here to prevent any attempts to copy or print it. Thank you for your understanding.
This letter is lovingly crafted by me, a writer, a Certified Grief Support Specialist, and a mother who has traversed the path of loss alongside my children. Almost ten years ago, they faced the death of their father when they were only 4 years and 23 months old.
My unique blend of experiences as a writer, a widowed mother, and a grief support professional equips me to assist you in helping your child navigate their grief following the loss of their daddy. This letter aims to reinforce their connection with their daddy, encourage outdoor play and art therapy, and affirm that all emotions are entirely valid and normal. These concepts are delivered in a whimsical, child-friendly manner that is easy for them to grasp.
Many children in similar situations often lack a friend who understands their experience of losing a father. However, they now have Annie, a character who shares this profound loss. As a mother whose children faced the same tragedy at a young age, I understand how rare it is to find someone who has lived through this. Even if Annie is a fictional character, her presence is invaluable. The inspiration for Annie comes from my own children, making her feel very real in countless ways.
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." – Helen Keller
If you would like an Annie letter for your child, please contact me via email.
Please put "Little Sunflower Story" in the subject line. Thank you!
To all the little sunflowers out there, remember that you will be ok. You are truly LOVED!
My little sunflowers have grown; my daughter is now 14 and my son is 11. They want your children to understand that their daddy will always hold a special place in their hearts. Although the cloudy and rainy days of grief may linger, they eventually fade. While my sunflowers will always miss their daddy, they are joyful kids who love to explore the outdoors, carrying him with them in their hearts on every adventure. Daddies may pass away, but their love for their little sunflowers endures eternally.
Love never truly dies.
Here’s a photo of my little sunflowers many moons ago, a reminder that I’m just a mom hoping to support little grieving hearts like those of my own children.
I understand firsthand the deep sorrow of watching your little ones grieve for their daddy. I have traversed that difficult path myself. I'm sending you the warmest, most comforting hug. My hope is that this letter offers some solace and brightness to your child's heart. As a mother, I know your greatest wish is to ease their pain and make everything better. While we may not be able to erase their hurt, we can introduce gentle and natural methods of healing and comfort into their hearts, bodies, and minds, reminding them every day just how deeply they are loved.
