This document appears to be from a grief journal for children that uses songs and writing prompts to help process the loss of a loved one. It contains 12 songs with lyrics and writing activities related to each song to encourage the child to explore their feelings and memories of their loved one. The goal is for the child to revisit the journal over time to continue healing from their loss through creative expression.

1. BEREAVEMENT THROUGH MUSIC

3. POWER OF A
PLAYLIST

4. BEREAVEMENT THROUGH MUSIC

5. © 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without permission.
The opinions expressed in this book are those of the author only
and not those of York College of Pennsylvania.
This book is an experimental class project for purely educational
design purposes.
Design by Evan Hornberger
Printed by www.lulu.com
Memories are the treasures of our mind. This journal
created just for you is a gift from your family at Olivia’s
House: A Grief and Loss Center for Children. When you
fill its pages with your thoughts, feelings and memories
you will give a gift to yourself. Find the time to be still
while you fill its pages. In time you can read through your
journal and you can see your strength and healing in its
pages. Don’t worry about spelling and punctuation; simply
write what you feel in the moment. Journals can be kept
for years, given as gifts or when completed, tossed away.
It is your property to do with as you wish. Enjoy!
What is
Journaling?

6. This journal belongs to...
When you get to a new song page,
find the song on your playlist.
When the song is found, press play!
Make sure you have a writing utensil to
complete the activity.
Complete the entire activity throughout the
next couple of pages while listening to that
song. If the song ends before you’re done
writing, just replay it.
If you’re ever missing your loved one or just
feel like thinking about them, come back
to each song, replay it and read what you
wrote.
Using the quote given from most songs
might help with your writing.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

7. This journal is dedicated to...
Welcome to My Life
Simple Plan
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye
to Yesterday
Boyz II Men
Just One Yesterday
Fall Out Boy
Believe
All American Rejects
I’m Just A Kid
Simple Plan
SONG 1 SONG 7
SONG 8
SONG 9
SONG 10
SONG 11
SONG 12
SONG 2
SONG 3
SONG 4
SONG 5
SONG 6
All These Things I Hate
Bullet For My Valentine
When I Look to the Sky
Train
Talking to the Moon
Bruno Mars
If You’re Reading This
Tim McGraw
Tonight
FM Static
You’ll Be In My Heart
Phil Collins

8. Song #1
Welcome to My Life
Simple Plan
2
What is the most difficult thing for you to
deal with in your loved one’s passing?

9. What else is going on in your life that
others just might not understand?
3
No, you don’t know what it’s like...
welcome to my life.

10. Song #2
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
What made the relationship between
you and your loved one different
from any other relationship?
6

11. Write a moment you and your loved
one had that perfectly describes your
one of a kind relationship.
7
The same old fears...
Wish you were here.

12. Song #3
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye
to Yesterday
Boyz II Men
What are the moments that you and
your loved one shared together that
you will miss the most?
10

13. Which one of these moments is
the most special to you? why?
11
And I’ll take with me the memories...
To be my sunshine after the rain.

14. Song #4
Just One Yesterday
Fall Out Boy
What would you do with your loved one if
you had one more day together?
Just one more yesterday...
14

15. What emotions do you feel when
you think about spending one more
day with your loved one? why?
15
Then I’d trade all my tomorrows...
for just one yesterday.

16. Song #5
Believe
All American Rejects
What do you believe about where
people go when they pass away?
18

17. What do you think your loved one is
doing at this very moment?
19
I know it’s hard, I’ve tried...
I could never say goodbye.

18. Song #6
I’m Just A Kid
Simple Plan
What would you say is the worst
part about losing someone so close,
while you are still so young?
22

19. What was your loved one like
as a child? Do you have anything
in common with them?
23
...gonna leave me here on my own...
and here it goes.

20. Song #7
All These Things I Hate
Bullet for My Valentine
What are some things that revolve around
you that bring out the hate in you?
26

21. What does “snapping” look like when it
happens to you?
27
Can you list any benefits to your anger?
28

22. Song #8
When I Look to the Sky
Train
What are some moments in your life
that you want to feel that your loved
one is still with you?
30

23. Come back to this journal every time
you feel your loved one with you.
Where
Where
When
When
How did you feel them?
How did you feel them?
31
Where
Where
When
When
How did you feel them?
How did you feel them?
32

24. Song #9
Talking to the Moon
Bruno Mars
If you speak out loud to your loved one,
or if you would at some point, what do
you say?
34

25. How does is make you feel when you
speak to your loved one who passed away?
35
In hopes you’re on the other side...
talking to me too.

26. Song #10
If You’re Reading This
Tim McGraw
Start the song when beginning the letter.
Write the letter as if you are saying one last
goodbye to your loved one.
Remember, feel free to come back to any of
these activities when you feel the need to be
reconnected to the emotions surrounding
the loss of your loved one.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
38

28. Song #11
Tonight
FM Static
What was the best vacation you
took with your loved one?
42

29. All of these moments are
now a part of who you are.
They are the story of you
and your loved one.
They make up who you are.
Keep them with you forever.
I can just look up and know...
the stars are holding you.

30. Song #12
You’ll Be In My Heart
Phil Collins
What do you plan to do with your life?
(career, accomplishments, etc.)
46

31. In the future, what do you plan to do
that will make your loved one proud?
47
No matter what they say...
you’ll be here in my heart, always.