By Zebia Pitter | Kate’s Club Teen Member
When loss enters a family, it doesn't just affect one person, but touches everyone. For the Barnetts: Zee, Zay, and Bella’s grief showed in a deeply personal and life-altering way. In the awakening of losing their mother and daughter-in-law, they've learned that grieving isn’t a straightforward thing. Grief is a thing filled with ups, downs, and a whirlwind of spirals that isn’t easy.
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Experiencing the Death of a Loved One
Zay and Zee were young when their mom died, too young to make sense of something so life-shattering. Events such as birthdays, holidays, and special events can be very challenging while grieving the fact that their mom isn’t there to be there for them. Bella, Zee, and Zay’s grandmother is watching the heartbreak of her grandkids growing up without their mother. She has been everything to them, and even when times are rocky, she sticks by them because that's what family is for, not only showing up when you need something.
Finding Kate’s Club
One of the questions asked that stood out to me with their answers was “How has Kate’s Club helped, shaped, and impacted your grief?” The answers each member stated were: Zee says that “It has helped her feel more confident, and overall it is just very fun.” Zay mentions that “Kate’s Club helped him to strive for more, to keep pushing, and also helped him build his confidence.” Finally, Bella has stated that “Kate's Club has helped with Zee and Zay’s mom’s passing to continue with triumphs that come their way.”
When the Barnetts found Kate’s Club, that's when a new kind of healing began. A kind where you do not have to bottle up your feelings to be seen as “normal” or “different,” but rather be around people who understand you. Zay, Zee, and Bella have gotten the ability to meet other kids and adults who understand what it is like to lose someone. Through grief groups, expressive arts, memory making, and interactive activities, they found a place where grief wasn't something to be hidden but something to be shared.
The Power of a Community
Having Kate's Club as a community not only to this family but to every member has made a significant impact on letting everyone know that they are not alone in this battle. Kate’s Club isn’t just a place. It’s a community of understanding where grieving families don't have to hide their sadness or carry their stories in silence. We know grief doesn’t end, but neither does love. The Barnetts’ journey reminds us that even the deepest losses can be met with connection, healing, and hope because this is a place to express your feelings.
Contact Kate's Club for free grief support or to volunteer today
Kate’s Club empowers children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver or someone important to them. The organization builds healing communities through recreational and therapeutic group programs, education and advocacy. Since its founding in Metro Atlanta in 2003, Kate’s Club has served thousands of individuals who are grieving, through both member and outreach services. Kate's Club offers services in Metro Atlanta, Southwest Georgia, Northeast Georgia and Coastal Georgia.