When Jaime Goddard sees her presents under the Christmas tree, she thinks of her little sister who died three years ago. Jaime is wise beyond her years, though certainly not by choice. She acquired her insight because she has lost two siblings, Derek and Hannah, and a grandparent, all in December of different years. That makes the holidays especially painful for Jaime and her parents, Gary and Donna Goddard, but they've learned to cope by incorporating memories of their loved ones into their holiday traditions. They hang up Derek and Hannah's Christmas stockings.
Ornaments bearing their photos are on the tree.
They place a small tree at the children's grave site. Other Tristate children, too, must cope with holidays without a sibling or parent. What should be a festive occasion is often marked with sadness, anger and confusion. A Center for Grieving Children in Norwood. There's an expectation during holidays that everybody should be merry and happy.