Daniel and Koshi

Bereavement is always an extremely difficult experience to go through, especially for young children. This makes it a very hard subject to tackle too. Children need to feel that they are being supported and that they can discuss it if they want or need to do so. This assembly story is a great way to approach the topic gently and to remind children listening that there is hope to overcome grief and there are things that they can hold on to in order to make it a little easier. Following Daniel’s Grandpa passing away, he struggles to go about his everyday life normally. Everything reminds him of his Grandpa at this time – but he doesn’t feel able to confront or accept the loss and he is therefore trapped in a cycle of sadness.

On a school trip to a Buddhist temple, Daniel and his peers learn that the following day – July 13th- marks the onset of the Feast of Obon. All Daniel can think about though, is that July 13th would have been his Grandpa’s birthday. Drifting in and out of listening to the Buddhist monk’s teachings, Daniel is distracted from his doleful thoughts by the sight of a lady he recognises as the mother of Koshi – who had been his best friend when he was at playgroup. When he catches up to her she welcomes him to join Koshi, herself and others at a party they will be hosting to celebrate Obon the following day. Daniel discloses that it would have been his Grandpa’s Birthday and Koshi’s mother explains that Obon is a commemoration of ancestors- so Daniel and his family would be free to honour his Grandpa as part of the Feast.