Grief is messy, hard, and non-linear. Often when we experience the death of a loved one, the roller coaster of emotions, thoughts, and feelings can overwhelm and weigh us down as we mourn and work through the loss. To cope with the loss and work with the grief, many times we are inspired to act, make a change, or create something new.
Mel Bennett, co-founder of Life Forest, was inspired to create the Life Forest cemetery as a tribute to her mother, who died of Alzheimer’s. Mel wanted to grant her mother her wish of becoming a tree after she died. Through Mel’s experience of loss and grief, she formed Life Forest to both preserve nature and the memories of her mother and the loved ones of others.
Life Forest recently sat down with Patrick Bernard of Manchester, New Hampshire, who, like Mel, experienced a traumatic family loss which led him to build something in his loved ones’ honor, too. For Patrick, the death of his sister and her two children ultimately resulted in him forming free indoor soccer teams for at-risk and refugee middle schoolers. The teams were Patrick’s way to pay tribute to his family members and recognize his sister’s love of education and music.
The teams, which play under the Panther Elite banner in Bow, New Hampshire, were formed in the Fall of 2021 when the middle school where Patrick works as a special education teacher was looking for new coaches. Kids were asking for an indoor soccer team, and Patrick jumped right into the role.
Many of the players are kids Patrick has worked with at school in other capacities, and Patrick wanted to provide a free opportunity for them to unite, be a part of a team, and have fun. He says that the teams have really given the kids an “extra boost of happiness.” And Patrick notes, “It’s really great watching the kids develop and teaching them lessons outside of soccer too.”
Since they’ve started, Patrick has seen behavior improve, as he places emphasis on mindset and mindfulness. He often practices meditation with the kids and helps them make connections with each other, lessons he’s learned personally as he grieved the loss of his sister, niece, and nephew. Life can be difficult for the at-risk and refugee kids Patrick coaches, but he is there as a supportive light and listening ear.
Patrick’s coaching has expanded recently, with a partnership with Revolution United Sports Group and the creation of Revs City, Concord-based competitive and recreational indoor and
outdoor soccer teams that compete against other teams in the NH Soccer League. Patrick says they’re now up to 9 teams with over 50 players.
Patrick’s journey through grieving the deaths of his loved ones wasn’t easy, linear, or without challenges, and his recent dedication to providing a resource for kids in honor of his family is just one way he’s incorporating what has spoken to him in his healing. Patrick is focusing on a positive mindset, listening, and learning. His biggest take away from his experience? “Be willing to take that leap of faith. I know I wanted to do something for my sister. I knew I had kids that
wanted to do this.”
Now that another session has wrapped up, Patrick’s focusing on raising funds to continue to support the teams and keep the kids busy. His dedication to his players and the charitable workPatrick is doing would surely make his sister proud!
Please support Patrick and the Panther Elite Soccer Club: Fundraiser by Patrick Bernard : Help Refugee and Inner City kids Play Soccer (gofundme.com)
You can also read more about Patrick’s personal experience on his website: Patrick Bernard (brokenresolutions.com)
