Turn Again To Life Project
scroll
What is the Turn Again To Life Project?
Why this project?
Statistics show that 1 out of every 5 children in the United States is grieving the loss of a loved one. Approximately 5 million children will experience the death of at least one parent before turning 18. Unaddressed childhood grief can lead to developmental disruptions and mental health challenges.
As we've watched our two living sons constantly cope with the absence of their brother and as we've sought to explain death and loss to them, we recognized the need for focused resources for children dealing with grief and death.
The purpose of the Turn Again To Life Project is to reach as many children as possible with literature about grieving the death of a loved one. From providing school counselors with reading materials to supplying daycare libraries with resources, we want to reach as many mourning children as we can. We connect with local stakeholders to provide the literature where it is needed.
Why this name for the project?
The project's name came from the famous poem by Mary Lee Hall, "Turn Again To Life." Our hope is that through the literature shared, grieving children will feel supported and encouraged to understand death and its consequences in healthy ways. We hope they find the inner peace and strength to turn again to the life they have and choose to use it to accomplish good in honor of their loved ones.
​
If I should die and leave you here a while,
be not like others sore undone, who keep
long vigils by the silent dust, and weep.
For my sake – turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do
something to comfort weaker hearts than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I, perchance may therein comfort you.
Mary Lee Hall was born in 1843 and died in 1927. Working diligently to break professional barriers for women, she also dedicated herself to multiple charitable organizations. In 1880, she founded the Good Will Club providing education and vocational training to underprivileged boys. By the end of her life, the Good Will Club had aided and inspired over 3,000 young men.
The origins of her famous poem are unknown, but it's profound message and impact continue to this day.
Turn Again To Life
DONATE
All funds donated with go directly to purchasing reading materials for children experiencing grief associated with the death of a loved one.
How can you help with the Turn Again to Life Project?
RECOMMEND
Email literature recommendations to carrie@audiegray.org.