The Library of Gregory Lincoln Education Center Elementary and Middle School was decorated with bright red and pink balloons and sweet treats, a gentle reminder of the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebration. But for some families, this season of love carried an undercurrent of sorrow—a reminder of those they had lost.
Recognizing the need for support, the Education Center’s new counselor (LaVondia Menephee) wanted to do something different. LaVondia envisioned a gathering where families could find comfort, connection, and healing. Through her past successful activities and her training from Bo’s Place, a haven for grieving families, she reached out. Bo’s Place Outreach Director Sabrina Espinoza agreed to present.
On the day of the event, families and staff came to the school’s library, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Grief was not an easy topic to navigate, especially in a space where children should feel safe and joyful. But as the counselor, LaVondia introduced Bo’s Place, a sense of warmth settled in the room.
Sabrina spoke about the power of shared grief, the strength found in telling one’s story, and the comfort of knowing no one has to grieve alone. Families listened, some nodding in silent understanding, others wiping away quiet tears. Even a translator shared her message with a Spanish-only speaking family.
Next, LaVondia introduced a special story: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. As she read aloud, the room became still, every word weaving a thread of connection between those present. The story spoke of an invisible string that binds us to the ones we love, even when they are no longer physically with us.
After the reading, she led an activity she had learned from her experiences with Bo’s Place. Laughter and tears blended as families found solace in one another’s stories, realizing that though loss had brought them together, love would keep them connected.
This moment was more than just an outreach event; it was a testament to the work of Bo’s Place reaching far beyond its walls and touching lives in ways unseen yet deeply felt. The invisible string of support and compassion had stretched once more, binding a school, a community, and grieving families together in love and remembrance.
As the event concluded, they looked around the room and smiled. LaVondia had hoped to create something meaningful, and with Bo’s Place, she had done just that!
