When Bill Vincent realized he would probably

When Bill Vincent realized he would probably die before his children were gro wn, he started searching for a way to remain a part of their lives.

He decided to write a book. It chronicles his struggle with hemophilia and hi s subsequent fight with AIDS.

To Mr. Vincent, who is 36 years old, the book will be his most important lega cy to Chad, who is 11 years ole, and Dawn, 7. It is a simple guide for the impor tant and not-so- important times of their lives: when they go to high school or to their first dance, when they graduate or marry, when they fight between thems elves or with others.6

There are many ways to bind up children's broken hearts.

Love is an essential ingredient for their healing. Gifts left by the loved on e such as those described above can mean so much and provide a source of comfort in the midst of grief. After the love one's death, the most important support o f children comes from those who are still living. Children need adults in the fa mily, church, and school to be present with them.

The following section describes some of the needs of children who are grievin g at various age levels and gives ideas of how to assist children accept the dea th of loved one.

All children grieve, even infants. Children's process of grief and understand ing of death varies with their age level. Reactions often seen in grieving child ren include: denial of the death, bodily distress, hostility and aggression, wan ting to replace the one who died, taking on of the deceased's characteristics, a nger at the surviving parent, anxiety, panic, and guilt.

Though usually not talked about, over half of adults and children have parano rmal experiences soon after a loved one's death. Often they sense the person's p resence. They may also see, hear, or feel the person. The person may appear in a vivid dream.

Paranormal experiences are normal, not crazy, and can be healing.