ABSTRACT
Isabella was referred to grief therapy after the recent death of her sister Sophie, age 5, following several years of living with a rare form of leukemia. Sophie’s death changed Isabella’s life forever, starting with her shock on the day of Sophie’s death. Isabella ran home from school, opened the door to say “hi” to her mom, and realized her house was filled with people, talking and crying. Her father was sitting in the corner, his head in his hands, rocking back and forth. “What did you think was going on?” I wondered. She shook her head and looked down. “I didn’t know.” Aunt Diane appeared, put her arm around her, and whispered. “I have some bad news for you. Your sister has died.” Isabella sobbed. “Aunt Diane said Sophie died. When I heard the words…I didn’t believe her. I was crying so much I couldn’t see through my tears. How could Sophie have died? We had just eaten breakfast together this morning. Why did she have to die?” She burst into tears again.
