Leslie Harter-Berg brought her two boys, Wit (now 9) and Rory (now 7), to Dougy Center’s Littles group after their husband and father, Ryan, died suddenly in 2019 of an aneurysm and stroke.
“Ryan was hilarious and oh so very kind,” shared Leslie. “He laughed LOUDLY and was obsessed with Legos, movies, and storytelling.”
At Dougy Center, Wit felt less alone and found support with other kids who shared a similar experience.
“With friends and at school, it was difficult for Wit being the only one without a dad,” said Leslie. “It was so nice to have Dougy Center to remind him he wasn’t alone.”
When Rory was old enough, he joined in on virtual groups offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Talking about a death with young children who are grieving can be difficult. Leslie values the practical things she and the boys learned at Dougy Center, and they continue to bring Ryan up in conversation.
“Wit and Rory were both so young, so their few memories of their dad were slipping away,” said Leslie. “Dougy Center helped us keep Ryan’s memory alive by facilitating the conversation about who he was and what we missed about him. We continue to use a lot of the tips and practices we learned to this day.”
An invaluable source of support was having a safe space to talk and express their grief — even virtually.
“I listened in as Wit and Rory talked about their dad’s favorite ice cream,” said Leslie. “It was such a small thing, but had such a big impact.”
At Dougy Center, both boys especially loved the theater room and doing crafts. Leslie is grateful for the community and connection she found with the other parents and caregivers.
“Going upstairs and chatting with other widows who also were navigating the single parenting of kids the same age as mine was the single most valuable experience in my early days of grief,” she shared.
“Dougy Center is such a beautiful safe place to walk through dark things.”
The collective understanding of her grief and newfound struggles of single parenthood inspired Leslie to start her own non-profit, Vids For Wids, to help others in the same situation feel less alone in their grief. Find more at vidsforwids.com.
